After the first inning of the Jonah McWaters Memorial Tournament softball championship, it appeared as though Pike Liberal Arts would win easily.

The Patriots led Prattville Christian Academy 7-0 after one and then scored another run in the second to go up by eight.

That would be the last time PLAS would touch home plate – but it would not prove to a be a problem as the Patriots claimed its home tournament for the first time ever, defeating the Panthers 8-5.

“I was a little worried there towards the end,” head coach Mendy Avant said after the game. “But our girls played really well all throughout the tournament, I am very proud of them.”

Thanks to a late inning rally, PCA was able to cut the lead down to just three runs going into the seventh innings however was unable to finish it off.

Kaylee Taylor was on the mound for the Patriots, pitching a complete game, while allowing four hits and striking out nine.

“(Pitching) was a big key to the win,” Avant said.

“(Kaylee) did a great job for us. Shelby Broadway also had a great tournament and helped us get to this point.”

Broadway was named the tournament MVP, while teammates Sarah Richburg and Brandy Henderson were both named to the all-tournament team.

“This win mean a lot to us,” Avant said.

“This team is really coming together right now, and hopefully that is something that will continue to happen as the season goes a long.”

Rebecca Farrar went 2-4 at the plate, with a stolen base and a run scored while Richburg also went 2-4, with a run scored.

This was the Patriots second win over the Panthers on Saturday, and it improved the team’s record to 7-2.