North County softball opens with shutout win

By MATT KING
Daily Journal Sports Writer

BONNE TERRE — Senior Jennifer Hackworth twirled an impressive three-hit shutout, and the North County softball team opened its season with a 3-0 victory over Cuba on Monday.

Hackworth recorded 11 strikeouts and walked one batter over seven innings. She pitched with a lead throughout most the afternoon, and helped her own cause by finishing 2-for-3 at the plate.

North County jumped to a 2-0 lead in the opening inning, as Katie Gibson tripled home Erica Inman before scoring on Hackworth’s RBI single.

Gibson belted a solo home run in the fifth to finish 2-for-3 overall with two RBI. Holly Gallagher added a single for the Lady Raiders, who begin conference play today at Ste. Genevieve.

Farmington 8, Sikeston 7

FARMINGTON — Four players collected multiple hits as a strong offensive performance lifted the Farmington softball team to a narrow 8-7 victory at SIkeston on Monday evening.

Sophomore Erin Littrell went 4-for-4 at the plate and earned the win in the circle with four strikeouts and seven hits allowed. Farmington claimed a 6-2 lead before holding off Sikeston, which rallied for two runs in the seventh.

Taylor Denne drove in three runs on a pair of doubles, including the eventual game-winner for the Knightettes. Chelsea Thomure also had two doubles and Allie Trask singled twice.

The Knightettes will host their conference and home opener today against Potosi.

Herculaneum 11, Fredericktown 5

FREDERICKTOWN — Visiting Herculaneum scored seven runs in the a pivotal third inning, and defeated the Fredericktown Lady Cats 11-5 in the season opener for both softball squads.

Freshman Nikki Mascaro struck out six and walked seven in her varsity debut for Fredericktown, which features eight starters playing new defensive positions for the first time.

Mariah Korokis ripped a RBI triple and Alyssa Buxton collected two singles for the Lady Cats. Fredericktown will host Central today.