Lady 'Landers Sweep Tri-Cities Christian

from staff reports

   Thursday was a good day for Cloudland softball.
   For the first time in a couple years, the Lady Highlander squad earned a mark in the win column.
   Thursday evening was more special for the ladies as they picked up yet another victory with 13-2 and 21-1 decisions over Tri-Cities Christian in Roan Mountain.
   The 'Landers (2-9) have steadily improved over the season, leading two conference games in the seventh inning, including a game against conference leading University High.
   Cloudland coach Evangeline Hurter was pleased with the team's efforts.
   "It's huge, this is going to be the turning point of our softball team," Hurter said. "Tryphena (Denton's) doing awesome pitching, doing an incredible job. They're playing good defense and hitting the ball, it's just awesome."
   Tryphena Denton picked up both wins on the mound for Cloudland who got an array of hitting.
   Denton was two of three in the first game with a double and a grand-slam homer.
   Eighth grade teammate Daranda Byrd also was two of three with a home run, while senior Ashley Timbs picked up a double and three RBI's with her two of three outing.
   Cloudland led 7-1 in the second game before scoring 14 runs in the third inning to take the victory.
   Kayla Blevins and Denton both went three of three in the second outing, while Byrd picked up another homer in her two of three finale.
   Jamie Icenhour, Jessiuca Lunsford, Jessica Ledford and Ashley Timbs all picked up two hits a piece in the contest.
   Cloudland hosts Hampton in a rematch today at 4 p.m.