Despite a late push from Hancock County, the Lady Aces were able to hold on to win the 3rd Region All A Classic against Hancock County 3-2.
Owensboro Catholic grabbed momentum early, taking advantage of a pair of walks with an RBI single from junior Brooke Hamilton. After giving herself a 1-0 lead, Brooke stifled the Lady Hornets offense and held them hitless through three innings.
In return, Owensboro Catholic grew its lead to 2-0 in the top of the fourth thanks to a sac bunt from sophomore Maci Merritt that helped junior Abbie Dukate score.
Hancock County finally got a hit in the bottom of the fourth, but after it turned into nothing the Lady Aces added one more to their lead. This time it was a solo home run to center from junior Bailey Hamilton to make it a 3-0 game heading into the bottom of the fifth.
The Lady Hornets were able to break through in the bottom of the six, as a two-out two-run homer from junior Ella Staples made it a 3-2 ballgame.
However, after a leadoff walk Brooke recouped and shut down Hancock County. Striking out two in a row to end it, Brooke Hamilton helped secure the 3-2 win for Owensboro Catholic.
Brooke tossed all seven innings in the circle, allowing two runs on four hits, walking two and striking out 12.
Abbie Dukate led the way at the plate with two hits, while Brooke and Bailey Hamilton, as well as Merritt all had an RBI each.
After grabbing the 3rd Region All A Title, Owensboro Catholic has a few days off before they have a tough district matchup on April 19 at 5:30 p.m. at home.
