Millard South defeated top-ranked Papillion-La Vista 3-0 on Tuesday night, its second softball victory over the Monarchs in four days.

The fourth-ranked Patriots used the same formula both times — one big inning of offense and solid pitching.

The Patriots scored all three runs in the fifth inning, and junior pitcher Chrissy Harris gave up one hit in six innings in a game that was called early because of lightning around Halleck Park.

“She’s very collected on the mound, and that’s a big improvement from last year,” Millard South coach Steve Kerkman said. “Some of that comes with age and experience, but she’s mixing it up and hitting her spots.”

Millard South (7-0) is likely to be the No. 1 seed for the Metro Conference tournament Sept. 9 through Sept. 13 at Seymour Smith Park.

First-round pairings are expected to be released Wednesday.

Harris didn’t allow a base runner until giving up the Monarchs’ only hit with two outs in the fourth inning. That hit wasn’t enough to support another solid pitching performance from Oregon recruit Karissa Hovinga.

As they did in Saturday’s championship game of the Omaha Marian tournament, the Patriots got the runs they needed in one inning, the fifth.

Kylie Arment led off with a double to left field and moved to third base on a throwing error. Taylor Hufferd then slapped a single through the right side of the infield to bring Arment home for a 1-0 lead. Later, Jordan King hit a 1-2 change-up to short center field to bring home the second and third runs.

“Our team concept is something we’ve really worked on the last two years,” Kerkman said. “The kids are so unselfish.

“They just do their job and support each other. It’s been a great atmosphere so far.”

Millard South (7-0)..................000 030—3 4 2
Papillion-La Vista (4-2)..................000 000—0 1 2
W: Chrissy Harris (4-0). L: Karissa Hovinga (3-2). 2B: MS, Kylie Arment.

Contact the writer:

490-9714, alexsdad@mail.com

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