Viqueens send MTC packing in 9-A opener

The Community Viqueens came out swinging in the first round of the District 9-A softball tournament with a resounding 16-6 win over visiting Middle Tennessee Christian Thursday night in a game shortened to six innings due to the mercy rule.

The Lady Cougars got on the board with a single run in the top of the first inning, but it was all Viqueens from that point on as they posted three runs in the second and then put up a nine-spot in the third to take control of the contest.

Amber Woods had the big blow in the second inning with a two-run double to put the Purple and Gold in front 3-1 before the floodgates opened in the third.

Erica Keele, Courtney Vassar, Meaghan Therrien, and Kayla Freeman had a hit each in the third and the Viqueens benefited from four walks and a MTCS error to open up a 12-3 advantage.

"We hit the ball very well tonight," Community coach Libby Frost said. "I was happy with our intensity level and I thought that we were very focused.

"It was a good way to open the tournament."

The Lady Cougars answered back with a four-run fourth but were unable to hold off the Community hitters as they continued to put the ball in play hard consistently throughout the game.

The Viqueens added two runs in the fourth inning, then put the game away with two in the sixth after loading the bases with no outs on hits by Karlie Joslyn and Heather Tapp.

Sophomore left-hander Brittany Haynes picked up the win in a complete-game effort for Community. She scattered seven hits, walked four and struck out three Lady Cougar hitters. All six runs scored against her were earned.

Keele, Joslyn, Tapp and Freeman led the way offensively for the Viqueens with two hits apiece.

Community advances to play on Saturday in Chapel Hill. The opponent and game time have not been determined.