FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Montevallo High School softball team pounded out 18 hits to pick up a 16-5 road win at Jemison in high school softball action March 1.

After jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, the Bulldogs (1-1) fell behind 4-2 on a pair of walks and a couple of fielding miscues in the bottom of the opening frame.

In the top of the second, however, the Montevallo offense exploded and plated six runs on five hits. Senior shortstop Savannah Smith provided the big blow with a bases-loaded triple that scored Addie Edwards, Destiny Upson and Savannah Upton. Mallory Anderson then drove Smith home with a single to push the Montevallo lead to 7-4.

After surrendering another unearned run in the bottom of the second inning, the Bulldogs’ bats kicked it into high gear. Montevallo blasted 10 hits in the third inning, including four doubles, to put the game away for good.

Anderson led the way at the plate, going 3-for-3 with four RBIs.

Upson added three hits and a stolen base. Upton, Smith, Bekah Fowler and Alex Bolton added two hits apiece as every Montevallo starter had at least one hit in the game.

“I was extremely proud of the way our girls continued to swing aggressively after we let the early lead get away from us,” said Montevallo coach Ronnie Holsombeck. “It says a lot when a team with a lot of inexperience at several positions has that sort of tenacity.”

Freshman Kayley Kornegay went the distance on the mound, giving up just four hits and no earned runs while striking out three.

“I like the way our young pitchers are throwing and battling themselves out of difficult situations,” said Holsombeck.

Montevallo plays March 5-6 at the Eagle Invitational at Calera High School.