MONTICELLO – Senior Emily Turnage showcased a strong pitching performance for Lawrence County, collecting 11 strikeouts and no walks, as the Lady Cougars roared past the Enterprise Lady Yellow Jackets 10-0 Tuesday night in softball action.

“This was a good win,” said Lawrence County coach Meleah Howard. “Emily (Turnage) pitched a great game and the girls played hard.”

The Lady Cougars (9-1, 1-1) return to action Thursday. They visit McComb to battle the Lady Tigers. Junior varsity action is set to start at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity at 6.

The Lady Jackets (1-6, 1-0) will enjoy the rest of their Spring Break before returning to action Tuesday. They invade Foxworth to battle Region 7-2A foe, the East Marion Lady Eagles. Junior varsity action begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 6.

LCHS 10, Enterprise 0

The Lady Cougars managed to overcome a sluggish start to shut out the Lady Jackets in six innings of work.

Lawrence County struck quickly in the first inning and grabbed a 1-0 lead. In the third inning, the Lady Cougars increased their lead to 5-0.

In the fifth and sixth innings, Lawrence County continued their aggressive onslaught to force the 10-run mercy rule.

Senior Emily Turnage showcased a strong pitching performance for the Lady Cougars, collecting 11 strikeouts and no walks.

First baseman Jazmin Thomas sparked the Lady Cougars with a triple and a single. Kristen Byrd fueled the flames with two singles. Hitting safely were Julian Johnson, Sam Lee, Alyssa Pendergrass and Elizabeth Smith.

“We started off sluggish, but managed to finish strong,” stated Howard. “We need to get more consistent on starting strong and finishing strong.”

Haley “Bug” Nations, a seventh grade left-hander, suffered the setback for Enterprise with two strikeouts and one walk.

Right fielder Courtney Greer had the only hit for the Lady Jackets.

“I was very pleased with my girls efforts,” said Enterprise coach Ashley Jones. “They came out and had a solid performance in the first four innings. Haley Nations did an outstanding job in the pitching circle. We just did not hit the ball offensively.

“Lawrence County is a very good team,” continued Jones. “They played really well and hit the ball hard. Overall, we are a young team, but we are steadily improving. We’ve just got to do a better job at the plate.”

In JV action, Lawrence County defeated Enterprise 8-2.

The Lady Cougars were led on offense by Karli Bass and Lancey Trott with a triple apiece. Amanda Rushing contributed a double. Carlie Ard, Jordan Harp and Callie Fortenberry hit safely.