By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

The Chelsea High School softball team defeated rival Shelby County 13-5 in an Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A, Area 7 contest April 7.

The Hornets put the game out of reach early with five runs in the bottom of the first inning.

Kacie Craft led the Hornets (19-13) as she finished 4-for-4 at the plate. Craft, who hit a grand-slam homer in the first inning, drove in four runs and scored three runs in the victory.

Allie Luster went 2-for-4 with a home run. Luster drove in two runs and scored two runs.

Caitlin Bice (7-4) earned the win in the circle after giving up five runs, including one earned run, on four hits with five strikeouts and two walks in six innings. Morgan Pence gave up two unearned runs on three hits with a strikeout and a walk in one inning in relief.

Jaselyn Harrison led Shelby County as she finished 2-for-3 at the plate and scored a run. Brittani Morris finished 1-for-3 at the plate and scored a run.

Kaitlyn Paschall took the loss in the circle after giving up 13 runs, including 12 earned runs, on 16 hits with two strikeouts and five walks in a complete game.