New Palestine High School

The New Palestine softball team used a four-run third inning to pull ahead Monday in a 4-1 victory over Franklin. The Dragons improved to 14-1 after their sixth straight victory. Maddie Engle delivered the big blow, a bases-clearing double that broke a 1-1 deadlock and gave the Dragons the lead for good. After the Dragons surrendered a run in the top of the third on two hits and an RBI groundout, they quickly responded. Catherine Trebley led off with a single. Callie Cromwell reached on an error and Jersi Gross loaded the bases with an infield hit. Payton Dye tied the game with an RBI groundout. Another error allowed Katie Hirschy to reach and load the bases, setting the stage for Engle, who blasted a 1-1 pitch to center to give the Dragons a 4-1 lead. Saydie Miller followed with a single, but the Grizzly Cubs were able to get out of the inning without any further damage. From there, Sadey Hughbanks allowed just two baserunners to nail down the game. The Dragons had two singles in the sixth, but an out on the basepaths ended the threat. Hughbanks allowed five hits, one earned run and struck out eight in a complete-game victory. Gross was 2-for-e with a run and Trebley 2-for-3 to lead a seven-hit attack. Engle was 1-for-3 with a three-run double. Miller was 1-for-3 and Amber Hurt 1-for-1 for the Dragons. The Class 3A No. 1 Dragons are next in action Wednesday at home against No. 2 Roncalli.