California loses opener to Russellville

The California Lady Pinto softball teams opened the 2012 season Thursday at the California Sports Complex with losses to Russellville. The varsity lost 13-3 to the Lady Indians.

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Greg Williams, Claire Elkins and Kris Doan

After an even 1-1 first inning, Russellville scored four runs in the third inning and four in the fourth to lead 9-1. California added one run in the fourth and one in the fifth to trail 9-3, however, the Lady Indians brought four home in the sixth to take the win, 13-3.

Miranda Hill recorded the win for Russellville with nine strikeouts.

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"Miranda pitched a great game," Russellville Coach Trisha Black said.

Hannah Campbell led Lady Indian hits with a homerun, a triple and four RBI. Staci Howard had a double and three singles, and Adrianna Basnett contributed a triple and two singles.

California's JV lost 12-0. Basnett recorded the win for Russellville with eight strikeouts. Justice Miller led hits with a triple and two singles. Sierra Ferguson had a double, a single and two RBI.

California and Russellville participated in the Lady Pirate Lead Off Classic Saturday at Boonville, where the Lady Pintos faced the Lady Indians once again, this time in the consolation game of the tourney, which Russellville ultimately won 15-0 in three innings.

Hill pitched the win with four strikeouts.

"Miranda pitched a great game," Black said. "A one-hit shut out."

Campbell led Russellville hits with a triple, a double, a single and three RBI.

Previously in the tourney, California lost 11-0 to Boonville in the opening round, then defeated Wright City 11-9.

"We had some tough competition at the tournament," California Coach Jack Lake said. "But the girls had a no-quit attitude and played hard all the way through."

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The dueling pianist

Russellville lost 4-3 to Sedalia in the opening round, then defeated Pilot Grove 15-0 to advance to the consolation game against California.

California hosted Eugene Monday, where the varsity Lady Pintos lost 13-1, while the JV lost 12-0.

The Lady Pintos will play at Tipton Thursday, beginning with the varsity game at 7 p.m.

Russellville will play at New Bloomfield Thursday, beginning with the varsity game at 5 p.m.