By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

There’s no doubt each time the Hope Christian Eagles and Evangel Christian Lightning face off, more than a win is at stake. The rivalry between the two schools is legendary, and thus the matchup between the two schools in pool play of the North River Tournament in Northport had all the makings of a slugfest.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, the Lightning proved too powerful, taking a dominating 10-1 win.

Hope got on the scoreboard first, taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first to grab the early lead after shutting out the Lightning in the top half. Evangel promptly responded by posting four runs in the top of the second to take a 4-1 lead.

Neither team scored in the third, but Evangel tacked on two runs in the top of the fourth to extend its lead to 6-1.

Hope again could not put a runner across in the bottom of the inning, as Evangel added four more runs in the top of the fifth.

The Eagles went scoreless again in the bottom of the inning, falling to the Lighting, 10-1.

Jordan Swindle paced the Lightning at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI with a home run. She was matched by Emily Murray who had three hits and an RBI and Anna Vaughn, who posted four RBIs in the contest.

Pitching wise, Jessica Ray threw a complete game, allowing no earned runs and posting a strikeout.

Hope was led by Samantha Rowley, who went 2-for-2 with and a run. Lindy walker posted two hits in the contest. On the mound, Amanda Rowley and Walker split time, as Walker went four innings with six walks and six strikeouts. Rowley posted a strikeout in her appearance.

The two squads will return to action on March 31, when the Lightning travels to Pelham to take on Hope in a rematch.