Both the Pike Liberal Arts Lady Patriots (0-1) and the Ariton Lady Purple Cats (1-0) opened the softball season on Tuesday with a high-scoring 22-13 Lady Cats win. 

Pike Lib jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first inning but Ariton rallied to score nine runs in the second. Pike Lib tried chipping away at the lead but Ariton’s hot bats were able to keep them ahead for the remainder of the contest. 

Beth Dixon led Ariton at the plate, going 4-for-6 with a double, two RBIs and four runs, while Macileigh Bragg went 4-for-6 with two RBIs and five runs. Lizzy Faircloth also went 3-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs, while Audrey Ezell went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs. 

Faircloth pitched all seven innings and struck out eight batters, while giving up 17 hits and eight earned runs. Bragg earned five putouts and one assist on defense. 

For Pike, Alissa Barron went 3-for-5 at the plate with three doubles, two RBIs and three runs. Haylie Brown also went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and three runs, while Camryn Brown went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBIs and three runs. Allie Booth went 2-for-5 with a triple and two runs. Barron pitched all seven innings and struck out four batters, while giving up 18 hits and 12 earned runs. 

Pike Lib travels to Kinston on Feb. 20, while Ariton heads to Eufaula on Feb. 20.