The Switzerland County Lady Pacer varsity softball team is seeing its offense and defense begin to come around – and that translated to two wins during the past week.
Last Friday night the defense was the star as Switzerland County closed down Franklin County by a score of 2-1. Becky Turner went the distance on the mound for the Lady Pacers, striking out five to earn the win.
All of the Switzerland County scoring came in the fourth inning, as Rachel Tressler and Maggie Armstrong each drove in a run; and the Lady Pacer defense then held off a last inning rally by Franklin County to grab the win.
The Lady Pacers only had three hits in the game, but made all three count; as Hailee Smith was 1-for-3 with a bunt single to lead off the fourth, eventually scoring the first run; and Maggie Armstrong was 2-for-3 including a big double in the fourth inning, and then came around to score the second run on Rachel Tressler’s hard grounder to shortstop.
“The game only took an hour,” Coach Steven Konkle said. “It was a well-played pitcher’s duel. Both teams played good defense.”
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On Monday night the Lady Pacers raised their record to 4-5 with a big 6-3 win over Southwestern.
After getting out of the first inning that saw Southwestern load the bases without giving up a run; the Lady Pacers saw the Lady Rebels score twice in the second inning – but then the defense kicked in.
Most of the Switzerland County scoring came in the sixth inning, as five runs crossed the plate; and the defense again held on to secure the big conference win.
The Lady Pacers collected eight hits in the game, led by Kelsi South’s 2-for-4 night. Hailee Smith was 1-for-3; Jenna Daugherty was 1-for-3 with a double; Maggie Armstrong was 1-for-3; Rachel Tressler was 1-for-3; Catie Johnson was 1-for-3 with a double; and Hayley South was 1-for-3.
Maggie Armstrong, Rachel Tressler, Catie Johnson, and Hayley South all had an RBI in the game; and sing runs were scored by Jenna Daugherty, Rachel Tressler, Maggie Armstrong, and Catie Johnson; while Hayley South scored two runs.
Becky Turner continued to be excellent on the mound, going the distance and striking out 16 Lady Rebel batters.