All season long, Pineville sophomore Rachel Howard has been the epitome of dominance in the circle, consistently dominating opponents with an array of pitches that have been the perfect mix of speed, movement, and control.
With the season on the line Tuesday night in the 51st District Tournament against Knox Central, Howard did what she does best.
Dominate.
Howard spun a two-hit shutout with 16 strikeouts to lead the Lady Lions to the district championship game with a 3-0 victory over the Lady Panthers.
Pineville (14-6) got its offense on the back of eight hits, led by junior catcher Addison Slone and her three hits and senior outfielder Nadine Johnson’s two knocks. Baileigh Bargo-Vaughn, Rayanna Maidon, and Monica Whitehead added hits.
The Lions advance to the championship round Wednesday night with a date against top seed Lynn Camp in Corbin. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
