Coming off a loss to East Montgomery Saturday afternoon at the state tournament in Midland City, Troy Belles head coach Buddy Mehaffey said he expected his team to bounce back in a big way.

And that’s exactly what the Belles against Valley, while starring elimination in the face.

Troy won in convincing fashion, 9-0, and in the process advanced to the third round.

“They responded,” the coach said Sunday night. “They played tough and they played with focus (Sunday afternoon).

“They played like I know they can,” the added.

As she did on Saturday, Becca Hartley took the pitcher’s circle on Sunday and like she did against East Montgomery, Hartley dominated Valley, throwing three innings and striking out five.

The offense also played a big role in the victory as Troy scored five runs in the second inning thanks to Hartley and Rachel Senn, who both had RBI doubles and Olivia Hudson, who hit a home run.

Stephanie Finlayson came in in relief for Hartley and pitched solidly, throwing three innings and striking out two.

Again, the Troy offense came alive in the fifth inning, when Amberlyn Baker hit a three-RBI triple and Madison Mehaffey hit an RBI double, to give Troy a 9-0 lead.

Kristen Finlayson would close things out for Troy, as she held Valley scoreless in the seventh inning.

“The girls were ready to play this game right after the loss on Saturday,” Mehaffey said.

“That loss was an eye-opener for them and (on Sunday) they played flawlessly.”

Troy will now face the winner of the Hartselle/ East Montgomery game on Monday at 6 p.m.