MOUNT VERNON — A four-run first inning by Rockcastle County combined with a three-run sixth inning proved to be too much to overcome for the South Laurel Lady Cardinals on Tuesday.
The defending 13th Region champions fell to 1-1 after suffering a 10-5 setback to the Lady Rockets.
South Laurel jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning only to see Rockcastle County answer with four runs in the bottom half of the inning.
The Lady Cardinals tied the game at four apiece in the top of the third inning, but the Lady Rockets added two runs in the bottom of the third inning while adding three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to put the game out of reach.
Audrey Likins and Morgan Jackson pitched three innings apiece for South Laurel. Likins took the loss allowing six hits and five earned runs while striking out a batter. Jackson surrendered series four hits and three earned runs and also struck out a batter.
The Lady Cardinals finished with a seven hits as Emmie Rice and Kenzie Williams each connected with home runs while Jackson, Likins and Amara Horn led South Laurel with two hits apiece. Horn also drove in a team-high two RBI.
