PALESTINE, Ark. — Laci Rauls delivered a dominant performance in the circle Thursday as the Woodlawn Lady Bears opened the 2A State Softball Tournament with a 6-0 victory over East Poinsett County.
Rauls tossed a complete-game no-hitter, striking out 16 batters across seven innings while allowing four walks. She threw 116 pitches, including 67 strikes, and faced 26 batters in the first-round tournament win.
Woodlawn grabbed an early lead with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Rauls helped her own cause with an RBI single, and another run scored during a double-play sequence to put the Lady Bears ahead 2-0.
The Lady Bears added four more runs in the fifth inning to create separation. Karsyn Chastain drove in two runs during the inning, while Kaylee Misho added an RBI hit as Woodlawn extended its advantage.
Woodlawn finished with nine hits in the game. Jaci Hoyt and Addison Holland each recorded two hits to lead the Lady Bears offensively. Rauls scored twice and drove in two runs, while Chastain finished with three RBIs.
Kaylee Henderson took the loss for East Poinsett County despite recording nine strikeouts in six innings. Henderson allowed six earned runs on nine hits and walked four.
East Poinsett County was held hitless but played error-free defense. Karmen Jones led the Lady Warriors defensively with nine chances in the field.
The Lady Warriors finished the contest with 22 at-bats and 16 strikeouts as Woodlawn advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 2A State Tournament. The Lady Bears are scheduled to play again Friday, May 15, at 3 p.m.
