Lady Cyclones subdue Central

from staff reports

   BLOUNTVILLE -- The 'Betsy bats came out smoking on Tuesday. Scoring all of their runs in the first two innings, the Lady Cyclones went on to defeat Sullivan Central 9-3 in a Watauga Conference softball affair.
   Elizabethton followed up a four-run first with a five-run second, and that was more than enough for Jessica Robinson, who pitched a five-hitter, striking out three, for the win.
   "We did our damage early," said EHS coach Kenny Hardin. "Jessica threw strikes and we got the outs after that. Of course, that's what you want to do. You don't want to walk anybody when you get ahead like that.
   "We hit the ball well and had a good ballgame."
   Leading Elizabethton at the dish was Katie Hubbard, who went 2-for-3 with a double, and Lana Blevins, 2-for-4 with three RBIs.
   The Lady Cyclones upped their conference record to 4-2, and moved within a game of .500 overall (9-10).
   "That's a pretty good record considering the teams we've played," Hardin said.
   In the junior varsity tilt, 'Betsy rode a winning effort by pitcher Britney Smith to blank the Lady Cougars, 6-0.
   Mikael Oliver banged a double and Kendall Blackston dented a base hit for Elizabethton.
   The Lady Cyclones visit Unicoi County today, then host Hampton on Thursday.