NMCC turns up the heat in upset win over SCC

NEW MADRID, Mo. — Despite being considered underdogs, the New Madrid County Central softball team’s strong performance on the field allowed them to secure a decisive Senior Night victory over Scott County Central on Monday, May 1.

The Lady Eagles (4-14) used a combination of strong batting and solid defense to earn a 14-4 win over the Bravettes (9-12) at Eagle Park.

“The girls were committed to getting a win on Senior Night,” said NMCC coach Matt Hartman. “We hit the ball well and I am so happy for Nell Bougard, Ashlyn Byrne, Lynleigh Carroll, Sarah Pizzo and Erica Tittle, our seniors. They played for each other tonight and it worked out to our advantage.”

NMCC gained a 2-0 lead after scoring one run in the first and second innings. Those runs came after Laura Johnson scored on a single by Erica Tittle and Mylee Cook scored on a double by Mikera Jackson.

SCC jumped ahead 3-2 in the top of the third inning after Camarie Perdue scored on a ground out and Skyler Wallace and Khloe Tolle scored on a double by Brookelyn Sauceda.

However, the Lady Eagles went back on top in the fourth inning after Joebeth Riley singled to score Tittle and Harris singled to score Cook and Emma Howard, making it 6-3.

The Bravettes narrowed the lead to 6-4 after Maddy Carlisle scored on a single by Sauceda in the top of the fourth inning, but NMCC extended the lead to 8-4 in the bottom of the inning after Johnson scored on a triple by Jackson and Tittle scored on a single by Riley.

The Lady Eagles added six more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to make it 14-4. Those runs came when Nell Bougard scored on an error, Ashlyn Byrne singled to score Johnson and Jackson, Riley singled to score Tittle, and Cook singled to score Byrne and Riley.

“With as much adversity as this team has faced, I am glad they got a taste of success,” Hartman said. “Riley returned from an injury and had a big day at the plate. She also came in in relief and held it down for the win. I was proud of freshman Molly Harris. She had a huge bases-loaded single that gave us the lead back. She made some adjustments at the plate and she is reaping the rewards.”

Riley finished 4-for-4 at the plate with a double, three RBIs and two runs. Harris finished 2-for-4 with a double and four RBIs.

“Kate Taylor was tremendous behind the dish,” Hartman continued. “She erases runs by blocking so many errant pitches, and she has as good of an arm as you will see. Tittle, Bougard, Johnson, Jackson and Cook all had success at the plate today. It was by far this was the best team win we have had this year.”

Johnson (2-for-3 with three runs) and Cook (2-for-3 with a double, a RBI and two runs) were the only others with multiple hits.

Johnson earned the win on the mound. She pitched 2.1 innings and allowed three earned runs on two hits with a strikeout and five walked batters.

Riley threw the final 2.2 innings and didn’t give up any earned runs on three hits with three strikeouts and three walked batters.

Tolle took the loss after 4.1 innings of work. She allowed five earned runs on 13 hits with five strikeouts and four walked batters.

NMCC concludes the regular season by hosting Advance with Bell City (12-5) on Tuesday, May 2.

The Lady Eagles received the No. 7 seed in the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament, and will take on second-seeded Kennett (20-8)on Saturday, May 6 at Portageville High School.

SCC host Gideon (5-9) on Wednesday, May 3 in its season finale.

__NMCC 14, SCC 4, F/5__

SCC 003 10x x — 4 5 4

NMCC 114 26x x — 14 13 2

W—Laura Johnson. L—Khloe Tolle. 2B—Scott County Central: Brookelyn Sauceda; New Madrid County Central: Mylee Cook, Molly Harris, Joebeth Riley. 3B—New Madrid County Central: Mikera Jackson.