Lady Tigers break into win column

LAMAR -- After three straight losses to open the season, the Nevada High School Lady Tigers finally put together a complete softball game in a 5-1 victory over host Lamar on Thursday.

"The biggest thing for us wasn't hits," NHS head coach Brandi Thomsen said of her team's nine singles and four-run third inning that did in Lamar.

Nevada improved to 1-3 on the season.

Thomsen was alluding to the major cutdown in errors, which plagued the Lady Tigers in their three losses. NHS had only two errors against Lamar.

"It was a definite defensive turnaround for us," Thomsen said. "They just played like they're capable of playing. I was pleased the way they finally came to play.

"Defensively they played great. Kara Kitsmiller and Jessica Davis had great plays in the outfield."

Danielle Stanhope led the Lady Tigers' offensive assault, going 3-for-3 with a run scored.

"She did an exceptional job for us in the designated player position," Thomsen said. "The girls played awesome. We had great offensive play."

Megan Ray had two hits and drove in a run; Kara Kitsmiller had a two-run single and an RBI groundout; Katelyn Brier had an RBI single; and Shawna Alkire and Jessica Davis each had rtwo hits.

Rachel Kennedy was the winning pitcher, going the distance and striking out seven.

In the junior varsity game, the Lady Tigers prevailed 4-3.

Andi Alexander had a double, and Mallori Ast, Stanhope and Davis each contributed singles.