Brookhaven played strong defense and defeated the host WestLincoln Lady Bears 8-5 Tuesday night in a slowpitch softballshowdown. Brittany Smith was the winning pitcher and BrittaniPhillips absorbed the loss.

“It was a good ballgame,” said Brookhaven head coach LisaCovington. “It was a good victory for us. West Lincoln hit the ballwell.”

Covington’s Lady Panthers (3-1) had beaten West Lincoln in extrainnings two weeks ago at the Hansel King Sports Complex. This timethey collected 10 hits, powered by Ashley Sykes and Cayla Princewho doubled and singled.

Portia Dickey, Kirstein Johnson, Allyson Wallace, ChuvaquahSmith, Megan Bateman and Brittany Smith singled as the LadyPanthers took an 8-2 lead in the top of the seventh. Theycapitalized on 6 walks in the game.

West Lincoln (4-2) rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of theseventh but couldn’t catch the Lady Panthers.

“We can’t win if we can’t hit the ball,” said West Lincoln coachAndrew Redd. “Our girls played well against Brookhaven. They have agood team.”

Two singles and a double by Carrie Fauver directed West Lincoln.Lauren Smith and April Kennedy doubled and singled. Britnee Smithdoubled. Kelsey Bass and Holli Smith singled.,

In the JV game, Brookhaven posted a 13-7victory as Lauren Smith homered twice and singled for Brookhaven.Christy Martin also homered.

Collecting singles for Brookhaven were Katie Stewart, AleshiaIrvin, Katie Smith, Jana Wallace and Amanda McIntyre.

West Lincoln got a double from Laina Laird. Annie Rushing, MegWilliams, Brittany Fauver, Julie Case and Meagan Nell singled.