When Pineville ace Rachel Howard is in the circle, you have to capitalize on any scoring opportunities that present themselves.

The visiting Harlan County Lady Bears had runners in scoring position in each of the last two innings Thursday, but Howard responded with strikeouts as Pineville held on for a 1-0 victory.

Howard pitched a three-hitter with 15 strikeouts and three walks to earn the win.

The Lady Lions scored the game’s only run in the first inning as Rayanna Maidon led off with a single and scored on Monica Whitehead’s sacrifice fly.

Howard had the only other two hits off HCHS freshman Maddy Fields, who also pitched a three-hitter over 5 1/3 innings with three strikeouts and two walks. Alexis Adams recorded the final two outs with strikeouts.

Jaylin Robinson, Kendall Brock and Bella Miniard had singles for the Lady Bears.

The 12-9 Lady Bears return to action Friday at home against South Laurel, a team they dropped a 1-0 decision to earlier this season in London. The 9-7 Lady Lions play host to Breathitt County on Friday.

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Harlan County 000 000 0 — 0. 3. 1

Pineville 100 000 0 — 1. 3. 0

Fields and Robinson; Howard and Maidon. WP — Howard. LP — Fields (2-1).