Lady Warriors thump 'Horns

from staff reports

   MOUNTAIN CITY -- Softballs have taken a beating by the Happy Valley softball team the last couple of days.
   One day after pounding out 16 hits in a victory over Hampton, the Lady Warriors produced another 16 hits in their 15-1 Wednesday victory over Johnson County.
   "One of the biggest things is we can play with anybody when our bats are alive," said Happy Valley coach Karri Killen. "Hopefully, they'll continue to do that."
   In a game that lasted five innings, all nine starters had at least one hit for Happy Valley against Johnson County.
   Kortney Goulds showed the way for the Lady Warriors with a 4-for-4 day, while Mandy Byrd and Kate Powell followed closely, batting 3-for-4 and 2-for-3, respectively.
   Happy Valley didn't waste any time getting cranked up offensively, scoring five runs in the top of the first inning to give pitcher Goulds a comfortable lead to take to the mound.
   Upping her record to 6-4, Goulds limited the Lady Longhorns to two hits -- one each from Crystal Watson and Ashleigh Maze.
   The Lady Warriors, who stand at 5-1 in the Watauga Conference and 12-8 overall, will travel for a league encounter at Volunteer today.
   Also today, Johnson County, 2-8 and 3-13, hosts Watauga foe Unicoi County.