Elizabethton all-stars lose to Morristown in state softball

from staff reports

   DANDRIDGE -- A sluggish offense proved to be Elizabethton's undoing in the opening round of the 13-14 year-old state softball tournament on Saturday.
   Managing only two hits, the girls from 'Betsy dropped an 11-1 decision to the all-stars of Morristown.
   Elizabethton will be in action again today, playing a loser's bracket game at 2 p.m.
   Morristown got off to a good start against 'Betsy, taking a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
   In the bottom of the inning, Danielle Hurt answered with Elizabethton's lone score. Getting on base with a walk, Hurt made her way home on the strength of three stolen bases.
   The E-town girls made a couple of defensive gems, starting with a double play from third baseman Tia Nave and first baseman Hurt.
   Mikael Oliver, who plays second base, and Hurt also teamed up on a double play, turning the trick in the sixth inning.
   Oliver and Lana Blevins accounted for Elizabethton's two hits. Ryann Musick absorbed the loss, giving up eight hits, walking three and striking out one before Britani Brown took the mound in the fifth to finish up.