Neelyville edges out Notre Dame

Neelyville’s Parker Ernst connects with a line drive toward first base in a matchup against Notre Dame on Tuesday at Neelyville High School.

DAR/D’Courtland Christian

NEELYVILLE — The Neelyville Lady Tigers outlasted some tough competition on Tuesday to improve their overall record to 8-1.

In a matchup against the Notre Dame Lady Bulldogs at Neelyville High School, the Lady Tigers made some key plays late in the sixth inning to pull away with a 4-2 victory.

Neelyville assistant coach Justin Dobbins said it’s a tough challenge each time they step onto the field with Notre Dame and coach Ray Reinagel. He expressed satisfaction with getting the win but knew going in that the game wouldn’t be easy.

“Overall, I’m happy that we came away with the win,” Dobbins said. “Reinagel has been doing a great job with this program for a long time and they will always give you a challenge. He's going to throw different looks at you, they’re tough at the plate and the pitcher spins it well. We really had to gut this one out. So anytime you can come out with a win in a game like that, it's always a positive.”

Notre Dame got on the board in the top of the first with a home run to left field by Jacie Smith. September Preslar laid down a sacrifice bunt, which helped Neelyville tie the game at two in the bottom of the second.

The Lady Tigers jumped out front with a solo home run to right field by Resse Dobbins to take a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the third. After holding the lead for the next few innings, the Lady Tigers got a boost from Callei Moss, who connected with a double fly ball to center field to bring in another run.

September Preslar earned the win for Neelyville. The starter surrendered five hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out nine and walking two. Taylor Kutz took the loss for Notre Dame. The starter went six innings, giving up four runs on six hits, striking out one and walking none.

Moss led the Lady Tigers with three hits in three at-bats. Reese Dobbins, September Preslar, and Moss each drove in one run for Neelyville. Anna Lack stole three out of the six stolen bases for Neelyville.

Smith provided pop in the middle of the lineup and led Notre Dame with two runs batted in by going 1-for-2 on the day. Charleigh DeShaney, Smith, Cierra Landewee, Ava Miller and Kynna Johnson each collected one hit for Notre Dame.

The Lady Tigers play at home on Thursday against Twin Rivers in their next game.