The Neosho softball team, facing McDonald County for the second time in five days, picked up a win over its rival in the second meeting of the season on Monday.
Playing in Anderson, Neosho won 3-2.
The two foes met in the Joplin Tournament last Thursday and McDonald County pulled out a 2-0 victory.
On Monday, Neosho scored first and never looked back in earning the victory.
“It was a big win,” Neosho coach Melissa Clark said. “I was happy to see the girls play solid defense. We turned two double plays and almost had a third if it wasn’t for a wicked hope. And then we put the ball in play. Hailey (Geller) and Brooke (Hulsey) both had big days. They were our strong hitters tonight.”
That duo accounted for six of the team’s nine hits.
Geller hit a two-out triple in the first inning to start Neosho’s scoring threat. The next batter, Hulsey, hit an RBI double.
In the fifth inning the Lady Wildcats loaded the bases thanks to back-to-back two-out singles by Ashley Gilion and Geller.
Hulsey then smacked a two-out double to make it 3-0.
The Lady Mustangs (4-4) had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth inning, instead settling for only two runs.
Haley Turner (single), Taylor Pearcy (error) and Stormy Christerson (hit) all reached consecutively to load the bases.
Autumn Hanks hit a sacrifice to drive in the first run. Pearcy stole home, part of a double steal, for the final run of the game.
“We hit the ball hard all night, but it was right at them,” McDonald County coach Dinah McCall said.
Earning the win for Neosho was Quinn Hobbs, who gave up five hits, while striking out two and walking one.
“Quinn threw exceptionally well tonight,” Clark said. “She hit her spots and for a change we scored some early runs for her.”
Sarah Rickman, who earned the win in the first meeting, was tagged with the loss. She struck out four and walked one.
Geller was 3-for-4, while Hulsey finished 2-for-4 with two doubles.
Neosho (4-4) plays again Thursday hosting Branson at 4:30 p.m. at Crowder College. The game will mark not only the home opener, but also the Central Ozark Conference opener.
McDonald County, losers of four straight, host long-time foe Carthage 4:30 p.m. today.
