BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

Tug Valley Lady Panthers opened the season in commanding fashion last week, rolling past Tolsia, rallying for a walk-off win over Man and overwhelming East Ridge to improve to 4-0.

The Lady Panthers showcased power across the three-game stretch, blasting multiple home runs, delivering late-game heroics and getting dominant work in the circle from Bailee Hall and Emma Lackey.

Tug Valley began the run March 23 with an 11-0, five-inning shutout of rival Tolsia in Glen Hayes.

Bailee Hall was nearly untouchable in the circle. She threw a five-inning no-hitter while striking out 11 and walking one. The only Tolsia batter to reach base did so on an error.

At the plate, Hall also went 3 for 3 with a double and two RBIs. Emma Lackey and Gracie Hynd each homered for the Lady Panthers, while Hall also went deep as Tug Valley flexed its power early in the season.

Lackey finished 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs, while Katie Hall added a single and three RBIs. Caylee Steele singled and drove in a run, and Zoey Hensley also had a hit in the win.

K. Salmons was the losing pitcher for the Rebels.

Two days later, the Lady Panthers had to work much harder to defeat Man.

The game was moved to a neutral field at Chapmanville because of wet conditions and drainage issues at Tug Valley’s home field. However, the Lady Panthers remained the designated home team.

Trailing 3-2 entering their final at-bat March 25, Tug Valley scored twice in the bottom of the seventh inning to stun Man 4-3 at Chapmanville.

Emma Lackey delivered the game-winner, ripping a walk-off RBI single with one out to score Katie Hall and cap the comeback.

Bailee Hall collected two hits, including a double, and scored twice. Katie Hall also doubled, while Lackey, Paisley Bolyard, Gracie Hynd, Bryleigh Fletcher and Caylee Steele added hits.

Lackey earned the win in the circle, striking out 12. Bailee Hall also worked two innings in relief and struck out two.

The game was moved to a neutral field at Chapmanville because of wet conditions and drainage issues at Tug Valley’s home field. However, the Lady Panthers remained the designated home team.

Mia Johnson took the hard-fought pitching loss for Man.

Kylie Blevins, Erika Mullins and Gracie Wheatley all had two hits for the Lady Billies.

Tug Valley closed the week with its most explosive performance yet, hammering East Ridge 19-3 on the road March 26.

The Lady Panthers broke the game open with a nine-run third inning and cruised to the mercy-rule victory.

Katie Hall and Gracie Hynd led the offense with three hits apiece, with Hall adding a double. Bailee Hall contributed two hits and helped her own cause in the circle, earning the win after striking out seven without issuing a walk. She allowed three runs on three hits.

L. Stacy was the losing pitcher for the Lady Warriors. K. Keene had two hits for East Ridge.