Published: April 05, 2008 08:52 pm            

Lady Panthers top Palestine

By SALLY SEXTON

H-P Sports Writer



The Westwood Lady Panthers wanted to make sure they started off the second half of district on a good note.

They got their wish, defeating Palestine, 13-2, at home Friday night.

“I’m really proud of the way they stayed ahead and finished the game,” Westwood head coach Kimberly Fisher said. “I’m hoping we can carry this momentum into the next games and surprise some people.”

Down by a run after the first inning, Westwood (4-3) came out in the bottom of the second with bats blazing. Jazmine Hicks led things off with a double and Sumer Davis had a single.

Jamie Davis loaded the bases after an infield single, and it was all Cassie Ault needed as she hammered all three runs in on a double to put Westwood on top, 3-1.

The Ladycats (0-7) wouldn’t get on the board again until the top of the fifth inning when Gretchen Scoggin reached on a fielder’s choice and scored when Tyeshia Campbell’s single drove her in, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

The Lady Panthers responded in their next at-bat as three of the first four batters reached base, and with two outs a Palestine error allowed Brittany Barlow and Hicks to score for a 5-2 game.

Lively’s single knocked in Davis before the Ladycats could get the third out.

“Once again, we’re showing that our hitting is getting better and better,” Fisher said. “I’m trying to teach them that it’s contagious.”

Westwood put the finishing touches on the game in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring six of the first seven batters before the first out and Candace Smith drove in the two runs needed to end the game.

Davis got the win for the Lady Panthers, pitching six innings and giving up six hits and two walks on two runs. She had seven strike-outs.

Palestine hosts Groesbeck Tuesday night and Westwood will host Madisonville.

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Sally Sexton can be reached via e-mail at sports2@palestineherald.com

        

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