MCCOMB-The Lawrence County Lady Cougars opened the 2013 slowpitch softball season with a pair of wins on Saturday afternoon in the McComb Classic. In their first game, Coach Meleah Howard’s girls defeated West Lincoln in a 15-9 slugfest. After that, LCHS beat Franklin County 3-0 in a game dominated by pitching and defense.

LCHS 15, W. Lincoln 9

Against West Lincoln, the Lady Cougars erupted for 8 runs in the top of the first. West Lincoln battled back as the Lady Bears scored 4 in the bottom of the second, then cut Lawrence County’s lead to 11-9 with a 5-run outburst in the bottom of the fourth. In that 5-run frame, the Sills sisters, Layton and Bentley, each blasted long home runs.

Alyssa Pendergrass and Jamie Martin each had 3 hits to lead the Lady Cougars’ 18-hit attack. Pendergrass also had a standout game defensively, handling 7 fly balls in left-center field.

LCHS 3, Franklin Co. 0

Defense was the key to the Lady Cougars’ win over Franklin County. Solid infield and outfield play helped pitcher Barri Rogers throw a rare 7-inning shutout. Rogers was also the winning pitcher in the West Lincoln game.

Madison Hyde and Jamie Martin each had 2 hits for LCHS. Hyde went 4-for-6 in the two games.

Lawrence County and Franklin County will go at it again on Tuesday night in Bude.