Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHILLICOTHE — A good start meant a good ending.

The South Point Lady Pointers jumped out to a first inning lead and went on to beat the Northwest Mohawks 5-3 on Tuesday in the Division III district semifinals.

“I kind of figured it would be a tough game coming off an emotional win on Friday over Rock Hill. Luckily we got on the board early and Abby Hannah pitched a good game,” said South Point coach Tanner Heaberlin.

“Our seniors came up big again. Emilee Powell went 2-4 and scored two runs, Haley Rawlins had a clutch hit that gave us the insurance we needed after we left nine baserunners on.”

The Lady Pointers did get in front early as they scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning.

Sara Allen was hit by a pitch, Emilee Powell had a bunt single and Keiana Conwell and Hannah followed with RBI singles.

Holly Ramey walked with the bases loaded to force in a run.

Northwest got a run in the third inning when Ali Fitzpatrick and Lakien Rice both singled and a throwing error sent Fitzpatrick home.

The Lady Pointers made it 5-1 with a pair of runs in the fourth inning.

Emilee Powell reached on an error, Haley Rawlins doubled her home and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Hannah.

Northwest put together a rally in the seventh inning that fell short.

Leighera Tackett singled, Hope Shepherd sacrificed her to second and Mykinzie Ellis doubled her home. Ali Fitzpatrick singled to drive in Ellis.

“Our outfield played really well, something we had been missing most of the year with Sophie Morrision making a couple of real nice plays that saved some runs,” said Heaberlin.

Hannah got the win as she went the distance allowing nine hits and getting three strikeouts. Kylee Montgomery gave up five hits and struck out five in taking the loss.

Powell was 2-4 to pace the Lady Pointers’ offense.

South Point faces Alexander at 3 p.m. Saturday in the district finals.

“At this point in the season, everyone is good so the team that makes the least amount of mistakes is probably going to win. We’re proud of everyone’s effort tonight,” said Heaberlin.

Northwest 001 000 2 = 3 9 1

South Point 300 200 x = 5 5 1

Kylee Montgomery and Alysa Robinson. Abby Hannah and Emilee Powell. W-Hannah (K-3). L-Montgomery (K-5). Hitting-NW: Abby Hall 1-4, Megan Boatman 1-4, Lakien Rice 2-4, Sara Smith 1-4, Leighere Tackett 1-3, Ali Fitzpatrick 2-4, Mykinzie Ellis 1-3; SP: Emilee Powell 2-4, Haley Rawlins 1-3, Keiana Conwell 1-4, Abby Hannah 1-2.