SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Marengo Academy (9-3) participated in the Patrician Academy Invitational last weekend at Zack Rogers Park in Butler. The Lady Horns finished as second behind Tuscaloosa Academy, the defending 3A champs. MA sent home four teams in the elimination bracket. Friday afternoon the Horns defeated Cottage Hill 3-0 and Clarke Prep 5-3.

Senior pitcher Ashley Stokes threw her first no hitter of the season, gave up one walk, no runs and recorded five strikeouts against Cottage Hill.

Junior Michelle Pritchett opened in the circle with three walks, one strike out, gave up one run and only two hits against Clarke Prep. Stokes came on to close the deal and pick up the win with four strikeouts.

Saturday morning saw the ‘Horns get off to a slow start against defending 3A State Champs Tuscaloosa Academy, losing 5-2. MA rebounded quickly, securing a 5-0 shutout of Patrician Academy. Pritchett took the win with a strong performance, striking out eight and allowing only two hits in the contest.

The Lady Horns then moved on to face 3A Faith Academy of Mobile, eliminating the Rams by a score of 4-0.

Stokes again performed well on the mound with six strikeouts.

Marengo then faced four-time state champions Edgewood Academy of Millbrook. The Horns secured their place in the title game by defeating Edgewood 3-1. Pritchett lead the way, striking out 10 batters and surrendering only three hits. The victory left the Lady Horns face to face with the only team who had bested them on the weekend, Tuscaloosa Academy.

MA’s momentum was stunted in the title game, as it fell to Tuscaloosa Academy 4-2. Stokes managed to fan four TA batters in the game.