ENTERPRISE – Prior to Wednesday’s championship game, Troy had used a tried and true method to win games: mash at the plate.

Troy had scored at least eight runs in every game played this tournament season entering the state tournament final. But the bats went cold on a hot July afternoon.

Troy managed just one run on five hits in Wednesday’s win over Sweet Water. The small amount of hits proved to be more than enough thanks to outstanding pitching and defense.

Pitchers Lexie Motes, Molly Kate Sanders and Hannah Calhoun hadncuffed Sweet Water batters all game long, giving up just five hits in 10 innings of softball.

Sanders started the game, before handing the ball off to Motes to pitch the second through fifth innings. Sanders came back to the circle for innings six through nine, and gave way to Caloun to toss a perfect 10th.

The work in the circle drew praise from Troy head coach Larry Sanders.

“I am really proud of the pitchers,” Sander said. “Molly Kate Sanders, Hannah Calhoun and Lexie Motes didn’t allow a run in 10 innigs. That is pretty strong. I think everyone was used up, except for Hannah and she closed it out. It was great job by everybody.”

The Troy defense commited 14 errors in two games against Ashford to start the week, but was able to hang a clean sheet on the wall following the title game.

Troy played error-free softball when it mattered most, and Sanders couldn’t help but smile talking about it.

“We come down here the other day and took Ashford for granted,” Sander said. “We made eight erros the day before yesterday, made six yesterday and I don’t think we made any today. We talked to them earlier and they knew they had to clean it up some, and they did. I am proud of them for it.”