LADY BEARCATS OPEN WITH WIN OVER OZARK

Leigh Swint, Lexi Franklin, and Joleigh Tate all drove in three runs in a season opening 13-3 five inning win over Ozark Tuesday at the Billy Kiersey Baseball/Softball Complex.

However, it was Ozark who jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first inning against Franklin (1-0) when the first three hitters reached via two hits and an error that scored a run. A ground out and a third hit scored two more runs.

That would be it for the Lady Hillbillies as Franklin set down 11 of the next 12, interrupted by the only walk she issued. Franklin struck out 10 in the game.

Swint plated the first two Lady Bearcat runs in the second and a bases loaded walk by Brooke Turner. Tate was hit by a pitch to force in the go-ahead run.

Turner drew three free passes and Tillery and Layla Byrum (shown playing defense) als walked twice.

Successive doubles by Roni Tillery, Swint, and Franklin scored two more in the fourth and a single by Tate and ground out by Caroline Smithson, who also had a triple in the game, made it 8-3.

Five runs scored in the Lady Bearcat fifth before an out was recorded.

The Lady Bearcats were due to host the Raymond Turner Memorial tournament today and tomorrow but that has been delayed until April 2, due to the weather. The Lady Bearcats next game is now set for Monday in Paris.