Troy continued its high-scoring ways in the semi-final round round of the District Tournament with a 12-4 win over Ariton Monday night at the Troy Sportsplex.

The Ponytails scored four in the first, and tacked on six more runs in the fourth to turn back an Ariton comeback attempt.

“They threw a younger girl early on that was quite a bit slower than what we have seen before,” said head coach Larry Rushing. “It kind of through us off our rhythm but found it again and hit the ball well at times.”

Leading 6-1 in the fifth, Troy committed four errors and allowed Ariton to plate three runs, to pull within striking distance. However, Troy responded with a big inning in the top of the sixth to cruise to the comfortable win.

“We hit ball well early and let,” Rushing said. “It wasn’t a great night, but it was OK.”

Sydni Garrett led the way for Troy in the circle. Garrett handcuffed Ariton to just two hits, a single and a double to back-to-back batters in the fourth inning.

Along the way, Garrett struck out 12 batters through four-and-two-thirds innings, walked six and hit one batter.

“She threw the ball really well tonight,” said Rushing. “We got in a little bit of trouble there, but she pitched great. She did a good job with her accuracy, and really enjoyed it and had fun tonight.”

Molly Kate Sanders came if for relief of Garrett and struck out three Ariton batter out of the four outs she recorded.

With the win, Troy advances to the District Tournament championship game at 6 P.m. Tuesday at the Sportsplex on Enzor Road.

“We have played Geneva before and know they will be ready to play tomorrow night,” said Rushing. “They have a lot of talent on their team, and have good coaching. We have to be ready to play for six innings to get the championship.”

The Ponytails are the only Troy recreation softball  tournament team left in the District Tournament.