It was the bottom of the order that rose to the occasion Monday night as the Preston Lady Pirates secured a 5-1 home victory over the Collinsville Lady Cardinals, riding timely hits, patient at-bats and strong pitching.

Preston’s hitters in the 7-8-9 spots – Alynn LeBlanc, Aiyana Beaver, and Brooklyn Gertner – were instrumental, combining for four of the team’s five hits while scoring two runs and driving in one. Their contributions helped Preston capitalize on key moments in the third and fifth innings.

Collinsville drew first blood in the top of the second inning with a run-scoring groundout. However, Preston’s response came swiftly in the bottom of the third when Taylan Starr singled to center field to tie the game at 1-1.

The decisive rally came in the bottom of the fifth. Aiyana Beaver lifted a sacrifice fly to push Preston ahead 2-1. Moments later, an error by Collinsville’s infield and a well-placed groundout by Kynlee Martin extended the lead to 4-1. A late insurance run sealed the 5-1 final.

Preston’s pitching staff dominated. Josie Cope opened with two hitless innings, giving up one unearned run while striking out four and walking one. Starr took over and dazzled with 2.2 innings of nohit ball, striking out seven and walking two. Ashleigh Hurt closed out the final two innings, allowing one hit and striking out three.

LeBlanc and Gertner each tallied two hits for the Lady Pirates. Beaver, Holuby, and Starr each drove in a run to balance the offense.

Despite a solid five-inning effort from Collinsville’s starting pitcher, who gave up only four hits and struck out one, the Lady Pirates’ depth and discipline at the plate proved to be the difference.