Haylee Vass gave up only one run in the circle, as the Todd County Central Lady Rebels picked up their second straight win to open the 2021 softball season Thursday evening. The Lady Rebels scored two runs in the top of the first and never trailed, on their way to an 8-1 win at McLean County.
After leadoff singles to open the game from Madelyn Slaughter and Sam Case, Todd Central scored runs on sacrifice ground outs from Haylee Vass and Abigail McPherson to take a 2-0 lead in the top of the first.
Sam Case extended the lead to 4-0 in the top of the second, driving in a pair of runs with a double.
After three singles in the bottom of the inning, the Lady Cougars used a squeeze bunt to cut the lead to 4-1.
Todd Central added to the lead in the top of the 4th inning, taking advantage of a McLean County error and a ground out to make it a 5-1 lead. The Lady Rebels would score again in the top of the 5th inning. After reaching base on a single, Shae Wade would score on an infield single from Abby Williams to give the Lady Rebels a 6-1 lead.
Wade gave the Lady Rebels some additional insurance in the top of the seventh, scoring Abigail McPherson on an RBI single to extend the margin to 7-1. Wade would then score on a single from Brooklyn Alder to make it 8-1.
Haylee Vass gave the Lady Rebels a big performance from inside the circle. Vass went all seven innings for Todd Central, giving up one earned run, on seven hits, striking out five, while walking only two.
Sam Case was 2-4 on the afternoon with a double, 2 RBIs, and a run scored. Madelyn Slaughter finished 2-4, with three runs scored. Haylee Vass was 0-3, but drove in a pair of runs. Shae Wade was 2-4, with an RBI and two runs scored. Abby Williams was 3-4, with an RBI and a run scored.
Todd County Central improved to 2-0 with the win. It marks the first time since the 2016 season that the Lady Rebels have opened 2-0.
