It was a pitcher’s showdown when Happy Valley Middle School and Hampton Middle School faced off in girls’ softball action.

In a game where scoring was at a minimal, the Jr. Lady Warriors fought off the Jr. Lady Bulldogs by a 2-0 score.

With Ella Marvel in the pitching circle for Happy Valley and Kelli Blackburn dealing for the Jr. Lady ‘Dogs, the game was going to come down to which team could take advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

Aleah Grindstaff got things rolling for Happy Valley in the fourth inning when she singled.

After working her way around to third base, Grindstaff came across the plate on a fielder’s choice by Trista Bowers.

The second run of the game for the Jr. Lady Warriors came in the fifth inning as Grayson Carder led off with a base on balls. Carder proceeded to steal second base.

Kadey Bailey brought Carder home when Bailey managed to reach on an error by the Hampton first baseman to make it 2-0 Jr. Lady Warriors.

Marvel did her job as the HVMS pitcher sit down a dozen Jr. Lady ‘Dogs on strikeouts in the contest.

Blackburn was on target for Hampton as she fanned nine Jr. Lady Warriors. She also singled in the game for the Jr. Lady ‘Dogs lone base hit.

Bailey, Grindstaff, Marvel, Jocylyn Barr, Logan Byrd, and Trista Bowers collected one hit apiece for Happy Valley.

“We played one of our biggest rivals and both teams played exceptionally well,” said Jr. Lady ‘Dog head coach Brandon Mottern. “In rival games, records go out the window.

“You get the best out of each team. It’s games like this that you want to coach and be a part of. Our pitcher, Ella Marvel, threw an awesome game.

“Our catcher, Trista Bowers, caught an amazing game,” continued Mottern. “Our defense played very well and had some key plays that helped us take the 2-0 victory. Hampton middle school has a good middle school softball program. “