MONROE CITY, Mo. — Highland senior catcher Bailee Crist had a big day at the plate against Clarence Cannon Conference rival Monroe City.
Crist went 2-for-2 with a run, home run and five RBIs, helping spark a two-out rally in the first inning when she singled and later scored. She then had a sac fly RBI in the second and a grand slam in the fourth as the Cougars defeated the Panthers 10-0 in five innings.
Highland pitcher Abby Lay earned the win after pitching a one-hitter with nine strikeouts. She also went 1-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs.
Cougars leadoff hitter Keera Rothweiler went 3-for-4 with a double, RBI, two runs and a stolen base, while right fielder Ali Lundberg went 2-for-3 with a RBI, stolen base and a run.
Panthers center fielder Kinley Fuemmeler had the lone hit for Monroe City in the third inning.
Monroe City pitcher Bella Keller was tagged with the loss after pitching five innings with one strikeout and allowing seven earned runs.
Up next for Monroe City (5-4) is a road game against Clark County (3-4) at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, followed by a road game against Palmyra (4-3) at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday.
Up next for Highland (8-3) is a home game against Centralia (6-2) at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, followed by a home game against Milan (0-4) at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.