Greenville Lady Lions win

Lady Lions 10, Van Alstyne 7
March 2, 2011

By David Claybourn
Herald-Banner Sports Editor

Greenville's Lady Lions jumped out to a 9-1 lead by the second inning and held on for a 10-7 non-district softball victory over Van Alstyne on Tuesday at Monty Stratton Field.

Van Alstyne was a late replacement for the scheduled Wills Point team that pulled out due to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) testing going on this week around the state's schools.

"They played good," said Greenville's Jennifer Rickman, who coached though she's been plagued by a virus this week. "I'm proud of them. They're playing as a team."

The Lady Lions held on despite losing infielder Vanessa Rico to an injury with two outs in the seventh inning. Greenville had to play one player short due to substitution rules, employing two outfielders instead of three. But pitcher Rachael Cook bore down to fan a Van Alstyne player with the bases loaded, ending the game.

Cook wound up with seven strikeouts, including three in the seventh. She allowed 10 hits and five walks.

Shortstop Sidney Tippit and catcher Katie Threndyle had the top bats for the Lady Lions, both going 3-for-4 with doubles.

Arian Alford and Ali Threndyle both went 2-for-3 at the plate for Greenville and Chelsea Rigsby was 1-for-3.

Van Alstyne was the runner-up in District 10-3A last season.

Greenville, now 4-4 for the season, will face Wills Point at 8 a.m. and then Caddo Mills at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday in the opening day of the Wills Point tournament.

Non-district softball

Van Alstyne 0 1 0 3 1 2 0 --7

Greenville 5 4 0 0 1 0 x --10

WP: Rachael Cook, 10 hits, 7 runs, 5 BBs, 7 Ks.

Leading hitters

G: Chelsea Rigsby 1-3, Arian Alford 2-3, Sidney Tippit 3-4, 2B; Ali Threndyle 2-3, Katie Threndyle 3-4, 2B.

Record: G 4-4.

Next game: Greenville vs. Wills Point, 8 a.m. Thursday, Wills Point tournament.