Knox County Opens 12U Softball Tournament With Convincing Win

BARBOURVILLE — Knox County wasted little time getting its 12U Softball All-Star Tournament run started Friday night.

Behind a balanced offensive attack and timely pitching, Knox County rolled to a 16-6 victory over Hazard-Perry in first-round action at Knox County Little League.

Knox County built an early advantage with four runs in the opening inning and five more in the second to take command. Hazard-Perry answered with six runs in the third, but Knox County quickly regained control, scoring five times in the fourth and adding two more in the fifth inning to secure the victory.

Croley Cain scored three runs and collected two hits while driving in a run. Isabella Abner added two hits and three RBI, and Killion Hill delivered two hits and three RBI of her own.

Baylee Jones continued the offensive barrage with two hits and two RBI while Makenna Messer contributed two hits and reached base three times. Campbell Cain scored three runs and drove in one, while Maci Alsip crossed the plate three times and added an RBI.

Jesslyn Messer chipped in a hit and scored once, and Savannah Scalf scored twice after drawing a pair of walks. Maggie Collett and Sophia Brown each crossed the plate once.

Makenna Messer earned the victory in the pitcher’s circle, working all five innings. She allowed six runs on 13 hits while striking out two and walking three.

Representing Knox County on the 12U All-Star team are Bella Abner, Baylee Jones, Maci Alsip, Makenna Messer, Tanaya Hughes, Jesslyn Messer, Maggie Collett, Killion Hill, Campbell Cain, Croley Cain, Savannah Scalf, Sophia Brown and Ava Lawson