Ladybirds go 1-1 in Uncle Pete Noll Classic

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands second baseman Rachel Gabbard tags out Newport Central Catholic's Jaden Watts in Friday's game at River City Park.

The Highlands Ladybirds softball team (4-5 overall) split its two games in the Uncle Pete Noll Classic at River City Park in Taylor Mill.

Highlands run-ruled Newport Central Catholic, 15-0 in four innings before dropping a 1-0 decision to Knock (Pennsylvania) in pool play. The Ladybirds had won three straight before losing to Knock.

The Ladybirds outhit the Thoroughbreds, 17-4 and committed no errors to one for NewCath. Haley Coffey and Brennah Dutcher each went 4-for-4 at the plate. Dutcher had two home runs, a double, three runs batted in and scored two runs. Coffey had a double, two runs batted in, one stolen base and scored three runs.

Bailey Spencer and Shelby Graybill had two hits each. Graybill homered, drove in four runs and scored once and Spencer had two doubles to go with a run batted in. Rachel Gabbard, Josie Daley and Brooke Dill added doubles for Highlands.

Spencer threw the complete game on the mound. She struck out three and walked one.

Highlands lost the second game in the bottom of the seventh on a dropped ball at the plate with two outs. The Ladybirds committed three errors in the game to one for Knock.

The Ladybirds managed six hits to five for Knock. Spencer and Dutcher went 2-for-3 each.

Spencer threw another complete game. She struck out one and walked none.

Highlands finishes pool play in the classic against Mason County on Saturday. Game time is Noon.

Baseball:

Highlands, Campbell County cancelled:

The Bluebirds (2-3) saw a fourth game cancelled this week because of a wet field at Highland Park. Highlands takes on Bishop Brossart at 10 a.m. at Highland Park on Saturday.