The SMS/AJH Softball girls clinched their first ever win at home last night in 7 innings against a well matched Grayville team.

In the first inning Bella Andrews (P) and Lauren Fisher (1st) connected for the first out. Andrews struck out a batter for the second out. The third out was a third base line drive to Madison Stevens (3rd) with the connect to Fisher leaving the Lady Bison scoreless. Bottom of the first saw all 9 Lady Rockets at bat for 3 runs from Lyla Keepes, Nora Jones, and Fisher. Walker struck out, Stevens was thrown out at first while Andrews, Courtney Jones, and Elizabeth Hefner we’re left on base after Jordis Riley was thrown out at first after a nice in field hit.

Top of the second was three up three down with an out from Kali Walker (2nd) to Fisher and 2 strike outs from Andrews. Bats were still hot in the bottom of second for 4 runs scored by Walker, Fisher, Andrews, and Stevens. (7-0).

Third inning was another quick three outs: Keepes (SS) to 1st, a strike out, and an in field pop fly to Walker. Bottom of the third saw three quick outs for the Lady Rockets due to great defense from the Lady Bison. Ruby Newkirk struck out at the plate after a few good takes at the ball. Keepes has a solid single followed by Walker with a slap hit to the pitcher and was thrown out at first who in turned threw to third for the double play on Keepes.

Top of the fourth Andrews had 1 walk and 3 strike outs. Bottom of the fourth again saw great fielding by the Lady Bison. They caught a left field hit by Nora Jones, a right field hit from Fisher before seeing Andrews on base with a nice short right field hit. Stevens laid one up the third base line but was thrown out at first for the last out. (7-0)

Top of the fifth the Lady Bison found a way to score before 2 strike outs and a nice jumping in air snag by Stevens at third. Again the Rockets went three up and three down. Breslin Ligon was tagged out at first after a nice hit, Chandler Cusick struck out after several foul tips trying to stay alive at the plate. Hazel Earnest was thrown out at first by the Lady Bison pitcher.

Top of the sixth the Lady Rockets answered with solid fielding. Andrews snagged a ball hit right back at her for the first out. Fisher charged the ball and out ran the batter for the tag at first. Cusick (Center field) stopped the ball to keep the next runner from advancing to second base. Third out was another connect from Walker to Fisher. Bottom of the sixth became 10-1 after Walker, Fisher, and Jones all scored. Keepes had a nice hit but was thrown out at first by the short stop. Andrews was also out with a catch by the SS. Stevens had a solid hit caught in left field.

Top of the seventh started with a strike out. Lady Bison would score two runs before a force out at third by Walker (SS) to Stevens (3rd). To close the game, Elizabeth Hefner (2) caught a pop fly.

Coach Walker wanted to comment on the major improvements at bat for all the Lady Rockets. Also the communication between players on defense was great. Lastly, the pitching and catching duo of Andrews and Jones was on fire tonight seeing only 3 walks and 3 drop thirds. The SMS/AJH team is back in action Tuesday August 27th at Red Hill at 4:30.