Eagles knock off Highlands, 3-1

STAFF REPORT

BSN

LEXINGTON — Johnson Central knocked off Highlands 3-1 in the opening round of the KHSAA Softball State Tournament at the University of Kentucky’s John Cropp Stadium on Thursday, June 1.

The 15th Region champion, Johnson Central plated three runs on five hits in the state tournament game.

Randi Delong and Keylee Blair paced Johnson Central offensively, providing two hits apiece for the Eagles. Chipping in at the plate for Johnson Central, Sophie Younce added one hit.

Both Delong and Younce doubled.

Blair, Younce and Carrigan Ratliff each drove in one run for the Eagles.

Bailey Markus connected for Highlands’ only hit in the state tournament matchup.

Michelle Barth drove in the Bluebirds’ lone run.

Johnson Central pitcher Maddie Vaughn claimed the win in the circle. Vaughn pitched a complete game, allowing one run on one hit while recording four strikeouts.

Highlands hurler Kaitlyn Dixon took the loss in the circle. Dixon pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing two runs on three hits while registering eight strikeouts.

In the other opening round games in the KHSAA State Softball Tournament, it was Greenwood 2, Mercy 0; Ballard 4, Woodford County 0; Rowan County 4, McCracken County 2; Daviess County 16, South Laurel 0 (5 innings); East Jessamine 5, Perry County Central 1; Henderson County 6, Great Crossing 2 and Central Hardin 8, Harrison County 3.