Softball: Lady Cavs blister A&M Consol

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Julie French and Nikki Giles pounded out three hits apiece and the College Park High School softball team slapped visiting A&M Consolidated for 11 hits in an 8-2 win Tuesday.

After spotting the Lady Tigers a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, No. 15 state-ranked College Park (16-4, 6-3) answered with three runs in the bottom of the first and never looked back. The Lady Cavs added three more in the fourth inning and put the game out of reach with two more runs in the fifth.

Chelsea Dowell contributed with a pair of hits and Julie Charbonneau drove in a run.

College Park starting pitcher Peyton Hutchens settled in after the first inning and threw goose eggs at the Lady Tigers over the final six innings. Hutchens struck out nine and walked only one in going the distance. She scattered six hits.

The Lady Cavaliers visit Lufkin on Friday. A win would reduce College Park’s magic number for making the playoffs, over fifth-place Bryan (5-5), to 1.

The Lady Cavs host The Woodlands on Tuesday at The Diamonds. Both games are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. College Park closes out the 2014 regular season at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Bryan.