Freshman throws no-hitter in Lady Lions' season-opening win
February 18, 2009

By DAVID CLAYBOURN
Herald-Banner Staff

GREENVILLE -- Freshman left-hander Rachael Cook pitched a no-hitter in her varsity debut as the Greenville Lady Lions opened the 2009 softball season on Tuesday with a 12-2 victory over Class 5A North Garland.

Cook walked four and struck out eight in four innings. The game ended early because of the 10-run rule.

North Garland scored its two runs in the first inning off a walk and a throwing error on a misplayed bunt.

Cook and the Lady Lions didn’t allow any more baserunners to reach second base for the rest of the game.

Greenville’s hitters, meanwhile, managed 12 hits off North Garland right-hander Crystal Goolsby, who walked two and struck out five.

Shortstop Trinity Ashmore, in her Greenville debut, ripped two doubles to score one run and drive in two runs.

Returning outfielder Amber Moore scored three runs with a double and a single and also reached base on a dropped third strike.

Cook helped her cause by reaching on two singles.

Hayley Ellis, Shelby Doederlein, Vanessa Rico and Amber Leonard also had hits for the Lady Lions.

“I’m pleased with the outcome,” said Greenville coach Glenn Banker. “I’m pleased that this year we’re much more representative. We can catch a little bit. We can throw a little bit. We can hit a little bit.”

The next scheduled action for the Lady Lions is at the Richardson Pearce Invitational on Feb. 26-28.

Varsity softball
North Garland 200 0 -- 2 0 3
Greenville 163 2 --12 12 1

WP: Rachael Cook (1-0), 0 hits, 2 runs, 0 ERs, 4 BBs, 8 Ks.
LP: Crystal Goolsby (0-1), 12 hits, 12 runs, 7 ERs, 2 BBs, 5 Ks.

Leading hitters
G: Rachael Cook 2-3, 1 RBI; Hayley Ellis 1-3, 1 run, 1 RBI; Trinity Ashmore 2-3, 2 2Bs, 2 RBIs; Shelby Doederlein 1-3, Amber Moore 2-3, 3 runs, 2B, Vanessa Rico 1-2, 1 run; Amber Leonard 1-1, 1 run, 1 RBI; JoAnna Rico 1-2, 2 runs.

Records: G 1-0, NG 0-1.

Next game: Greenville at Richardson Pearce Invitational, Feb. 26-28.