Brianna Stepp picked up the win for the Devils
It had been a frustrating week for the Lady Devil softball team, who had dropped three straight games. Two of those losses came to their 1st round playoff opponent Murphy. In both losses the Devils offense sputtered to get going, and in both cases the Bulldogs jumped out to early leads.
Things were different Thursday, as the Lady Devils scored 5 first inning runs and never looked back in taking an 11-3 first round win.
Swain got 8 rbi from the middle of their lineup, as Kendra Kirkland, Nikki Cody, and Maggie Sutton combined for 6 hits and 8 rbi. The top of the order did their job as well as Karie Jones and Olivia Steely combined to score 5 runs on 3 hits.
Brianna Stepp took care of the rest. Stepp picked up the win from the circle, striking out 3, walking none, and scattering 7 hits.
Swain advances to the 2nd round next Tuesday, and will travel to SMC Co-Champion Hiwassee Dam for a 4:30 game.