The Chester County Eaglettes opened district tournament play with a strong showing, going 2-1 over the weekend and staying alive with a 14-5 win over Jackson South Side on Monday.
Chester County wasted no time getting started in its tournament opener Thursday, scoring 12 runs in the first inning on the way to a 15-0 win over Jackson North Side. The No. 3-seeded Eaglettes used a mix of hits, walks, and aggressive base running to take control early against No. 6 North Side.
Leura Rowsey got things going with a two-run single, while Kymber Martin delivered a three-run double in the big first inning. Brentlee Burgess and Karsyn Knipper also drove in runs as the Eaglettes kept the pressure on. Martin was just as effective in the circle, tossing three hitless innings and striking out six.
Chester County ran into a tough matchup Friday, falling to Lexington 5-1. The Eaglettes collected eight hits but couldn’t string together a big inning. Aayla Howell, Burgess, Georganna Pickens and Knipper each had two hits, while Howell drove in the lone run.
The Eaglettes bounced back Monday with one of their most complete performances of the tournament, defeating Jackson South Side 14-5 to stay alive in district play.
Chester County broke the game open early with a nine-run first inning, taking advantage of key hits and capitalizing on opportunities. Rowsey delivered a two-run double, Patterson drove in runs with a groundout and a single and Burgess added an RBI hit as the Eaglettes built a quick lead.
The offense stayed consistent throughout the game, finishing with 13 hits. Rowsey, Reece Collins, Pickens, Burgess and Patterson each collected two hits, while Rowsey and Patterson drove in three runs apiece. Collins added two RBIs and Karsyn Knipper reached base multiple times and scored three runs.
In the circle, Jillian Patterson went the distance, allowing four runs (two earned) while striking out five to earn the win.
With the win, the Eaglettes remained alive in the double-elimination tournament and would face Hardin County on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in an elimination game.
Pictured at right: Leura Rowsey rounds the bases during a recent game. Rowsey drove in three runs in Chester County’s district tournament win over Jackson South Side.
