By JIM RUMBLE

It was an exciting week for the Avonworth softball team, as they secured two section wins to move into second place in AA Section 1 with a record of 5-1 overall and 3-0 in section play.

Without a doubt, the most exciting win came at previously unbeaten Brentwood last Friday as the 'Lopes battled back to win in extra innings 8-4.

"This was one of the best wins in our school's history," said coach Chris Knox afterwards.

The game remained scoreless until the Spartans registered a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to lead 2-0. Brentwood would add another run in the bottom of the sixth to lead 3-0 while Avonworth to this point had been limited by All-Section pitcher Taylor Sherry to just four hits.

The Lady ‘Lopes were just one out from losing the game when the tables turned. Pitcher Julianne Hirsch started with a base hit to left field. Natalie Zivic and Marissa Milbert followed with hits to load the bases, then Tracy Catanzarite drove two runs in with a hit to right center. Kelsey Knox then ripped a double down the left field line, scoring two runs that gave Avonworth a 4-3 lead.

The Spartans tied the game at 4-4 to end regulation, but the 'Lopes took care of business in the eighth inning. With two out, Ali Chambers singled to center and was brought home when Hirsch followed with a double to left center that had the 'Lopes up 5-4. Zivic picked up an RBI with a base hit to center field before Milbert knocked a two-run homer over the fence in left that had Avonworth leading 8-4.

The Spartans were put down in order in the bottom of the eighth to secure an extraordinary win for the 'Lopes.

Hirsch picked up the victory while registering six strike-outs.

On Thursday, April 14, the Lady ‘Lopes hosted OLSH and, after a slow start, went on to defeat the Chargers 9-3.