A strong start wasn’t enough to carry the Harlan County Lady Bears to a win in the first round of the 13th Region Tournament on Tuesday at Lynn Camp.
Harlan County (13-19) scored five runs in the opening inning but North Laurel responded with the next 22 as the Lady Jaguars advanced with a 22-5 four-inning victory.
Madison Blair opened the game with a walk, then Halanah Shepherd doubled with one out and Jade Burton walked to load the bases. Brittleigh Estep singled home one run before Rylie Maggard followed with a grand slam.
North Laurel (25-9) connected with eight extra base hits which included Bella Sizemore’s two home runs. She finished three hits, five RBI and three runs scored. Katie Keen connected with a home run, finishing with one hit, four RBI, and two runs scored. Saige McClure was perfect at the plate with a 4-for-4 effort that included a double and a triple. She drove in five runs and scored three times. Bella Finley was two-for-two with three RBI, and three runs scored. Megan Edwards turned in a two-for-two effort while driving in three runs, and scoring once. Katie Sams finished with a hit and two runs scored while Braylee Fawbush and Brindalyn Fawbush added a hit apiece. Ellie Adams collected two hits and an RBI while scoring once.
Tessa Monhollen started the game, lasting only 1/3 of an inning while allowing four hits and five earned runs. She struck out one batter. Emma Carl got the win, pitching 3 2/3 of an inning while allowing only two hits and no earned runs with five strikeouts.
Lesleigh Brown added two hits for the Lady Bears. Aviya Halcomb had one.
Alexis Adams suffered the loss, surrendering 17 hits and 17 runs while striking out four.