Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PEDRO — Getting a strong pitching performance from Jill Hairston is nothing new for the Rock Hill Redwomen.
But when the younger and inexperienced players come through, that’s something that’ not only new but very much welcomed.
Hairston pitched a three-hit shutout while Grace Stevens had a big hit, Madison Harper a clutch hit and the defense was outstanding as the Redwomen edged the Chesapeake Lady Panthers 1-0 in an Ohio Valley Conference game on Monday.
Hairston struck out 10 and walked two for the win. Stevens and Harper combined to produced the game’s only run.
“Some of our younger players are stepping up at the plate,” said Rock Hill first-year coach Brooke Long.
“Our defense played solid tonight. Our outfield made a couple of huge plays for us.”
The only run of the game scored in the bottom of the sixth inning when Stevens triple and scored on a single by Harper.
Hairston closed out the game in an impressive fashion by striking out the side in the top of the seventh.
Stevens was 2-3 with a double and a triple and Baylie Harrah went 2-3.
Brooke Webb pitched well in defeat as she allowed six hits, struck out five and did not walk a batter.
Ryleigh Swann was 2-3 for the Lady Panthers.
Rock Hill (2-2, 1-1) played at Lucasville Valley on Tuesday.
“We have three more games this week so I was glad to start the week off with a win,” said Long.
Chesapeake    000    000    0    =    0    3    2
Rock Hill    000    001    x    =    1    6    0
Brooke Webb and Katy Spears. Jill Hairston and Grace Stevens. W-Hairston (K-10, BB-2). L-Webb (K-5, BB-0). Hitting-Chesy: Ryleigh Swann 2-3, Jordan Storms 1-3; RH: Grace Stevens 2-3 2B 3B 1-R, Baylie Harrah 2-3, Madison Harper 1-3 RBI, Tori Pancake 1-3, Anna Darby sac.