LONDON — Eighth-grader Presley Griffin put together a dominant effort Monday, powering North Laurel to an 11-4 win over Harlan County in first-round action of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament at South Laurel.
Griffin went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with a home run, three RBI and three runs scored as the Lady Jaguars improved to 29-6 on the season.
“A good way to start the Region tournament today,” North Laurel coach Chris Edwards said. “Eleven hits I’ll always take — add four doubles, a triple and a home run in there. Multiple hits from Bella Finley and Presley griffin. Had three stolen bases also, a safety squeeze also. Offensively, we had a good day.
“Pitching wise, Caylee Singleton started and threw a really good game,” he added. “Only 4 hits allowed with eight strikeouts. Emma threw the last two innings and had four more strikeouts. Had one inning where Harlan County got three runs and had runners on but we were able to get out of it. Really proud of how they threw today.”
Bella Finley also delivered a huge game offensively, finishing 2-for-3 with a triple, double and two RBI while Emma Carl scored three runs, doubled and drove in two more.
Caylee Singleton helped North Laurel inside the pitcher’s circle and at the plate. Singleton earned the win after striking out eight over five innings while also collecting an RBI hit at the plate. Carl added four strikeouts over two scoreless relief innings.
For Harlan County, Reagan Landa turned in the top performance offensively, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Kendall Brock doubled and drove in a run while Bella Miniard added two RBI.
North Laurel used a five-run sixth inning to put the game away after the Lady Black Bears cut their deficit to 6-4 in the top of the sixth.
“Really proud of our girls,” Edwards said. “With the weather and the uncertainty of even where we were going to play, it was difficult to get prepared but our girls responded. They showed up ready to work at batting practice, and ended up playing a really good game. We will try to get some rest tonight and get ready for the next game. Go Jags.”
