PINEVILLE — Rachel Howard etched her name deeper into Kentucky high school softball history Tuesday as Pineville rolled to a 10-0 victory over Knox Central in the 51st District Softball Championship.
Howard dominated in the pitcher’s circle and at the plate while moving into second place on Kentucky’s all-time career strikeout list.
The senior struck out 13 batters in a four-hit shutout and surpassed former Ryle standout Kirsten Allen’s total of 1,865 career strikeouts. Howard now sits at 1,872 career strikeouts, trailing only former Alabama and East Carter star Montana Fouts, who finished with 1,964.
The Lady Lions wasted little time taking control, scoring two runs in the opening inning before steadily adding to the lead throughout the night. Pineville scored two runs in the third, two more in the fourth, one in the fifth and three in the sixth to end the game early.
Howard also starred at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Rayanna Maidon turned in a huge performance at the top of the lineup, finishing 4-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI. Jaycee Caldwell added three hits and an RBI while Malley Smith collected two hits and drove in a run.
