For some reason, every time the Forrest Lady Rockets and the Spring Hill Lady Raiders meet on the softball diamond the games are always close, coming down to a big hit, a great defensive play or a strong pitching performance.

It was no different Wednesday night at the Field of Dreams in Chapel Hill as the squads battled neck and neck in a scoreless tie until Brianda Elmore came through in the clutch with a bases loaded, one-out single to right in the bottom of the fifth inning that scored two runners to break the deadlock.

"Brianda is just so confident and I can't think of anybody else I want up there in those situations," said Forrest head coach Becky Cheatham.

"I am a better hitter in pressure situations," said Elmore. "When I got the hit and made it to first I just said to myself, finally we broke through the 0-0 tie. (Megan) LaFevor is a great pitcher and is always tough against us."

It was a pitchers' duel from the start between Spring Hill's LaFevor and Shelby Stinnett. Both hurlers did a great job of getting out of some early trouble to extend the game.

See Friday's Tribune for the complete story.