By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

WEST BLOCTON–The Helena Huskies softball team got off to a fast start to begin the 2018 season on Tuesday, Feb. 20 as they routed West Blocton 19-1 in a shortened five-inning game due to the 10-run rule.

The Huskies scored six runs in three of the five innings and finished with 12 hits in a dominant win.

Jamie Gregg, Grace Robertson and Katie Lively all finished with three RBIs apiece in the game for Helena as Lively led the way going 3-for-3 at the plate with three runs. She hit the games lone home run in the top of the fifth inning on a two-run bomb to score Robertson. She also drew two walks at the plate.

In all, 10 Helena players on the roster finished with at least one hit on 22 plate appearances.

What was equally impressive for Helena was the job done in the circle.

Helena pitchers Avery Barnett and Peyton Doriety combined to throw five innings while giving up just one hit.

Barnett struck out five batters and allowed one unearned run in three innings of work while Doriety pitched a no-hitter over the final two innings while striking out two.

With the win, Helena moved to 1-0 on the season and will come back to HHS for the home opener against Clay Chalkville on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m.