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Big first inning carries SM to softball victory over Brevard
Stasha Nicholson

Smoky Mountain's Stasha Nicholson rounds the bases on a home run during last week's 6-3 win over Brevard. Nicholson's three-run blast capped a five-run first inning. - Herald photo by Carey Phillips

 Smoky Mountain jumped on Brevard for five runs in the first inning en route to a 6-3 Western Athletic Conference softball victory on March 27 at Webster.

"That's one of the best pitchers we've faced," Coach Melissa Hill said of Ashley Rice.

The Lady Devils took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Katie Peterson singled, stole second and scored on Rice's single.

Amber Stephens started the bottom of the first with a single, and Tori Kelly walked. The runners moved up on a wild pitch and scored on Amanda Magruder's single. After an error, Stasha Nicholson belted a three-run home run for a 5-1 lead.

"We came out ready to play and got five runs capped by Stasha's home run," Hill said. "Amanda had a key hit."

Brevard picked up a run in the second, but the Lady Mustangs countered in the bottom half when Stephens homered to right.

Rice got tougher as the game went along. She didn't give up another hit and allowed just one more base runner after Tara Green's leadoff single in the third.

Solid defense kept the Lady Devils in check despite 10 hits. They made it 6-3 in the sixth on Peterson's triple and Rice's single.

Brevard had the tying run at the plate when the game ended with Stephens striking out Peterson. Both teams were sharp defensively with the Lady Mustangs committing the only error of the game in the seventh.

Hill noted that Kelly played well in her first game at third base.

Stephens was not only the winning pitcher but was also two of four at the plate.

"Amber was solid all the way around, pitching and hitting," the coach said. "She only walked one." Peterson, Rice and Tiffany Clark all had two hits for Brevard.

The Lady Devil JVs won 14-12 at Brevard. Coach Barry Stevens said he was pleased with his team's hitting.

Danielle Bowers was four of four to lead the Lady Mustangs. Jennifer Hyatt, Brandy Farmer and Bonnie Claxton were all two of four.

Back to Sports: 04/05/01.