The Pike Liberal Arts Lady Patriots (16-14) swept their way through the first two rounds of the Class 2A, Area 4 Tournament at home on Monday. 

In the first round, Pike throttled Goshen by a score of 19-0 in three innings. Allie Booth led PLAS at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a pair of triples, three RBIs and two runs, while Sarah Strickland went 2-for-2 with a double, one triple, one RBI and two runs. Julianne Meyer also collected two hits with a triple, one RBI and two runs. Yaley McLendon went 2-for-2 with two doubles, four RBIs and two runs. Alissa Barron also hit a double and scored two runs, while CK Smith and Camryn Brown scored two runs each. McLendon pitched all three innings and struck out three batters, while giving up two hits and no runs. 

For Goshen, Ja’Nia Martin went 1-for-1 at the plate. Marley Childs pitched one inning and struck out two batters, while giving up three hits and one earned run. 

In the other first round game, the Zion Chapel Lady Rebels (13-13) topped Luverne by a score of 4-0. Riley Bannin pitched a complete game, striking out an eye-popping 15 batters, while also throwing a no-hitter and shutout. She also drove in one run, scored one run and stole two bases on the offensive end of the game. 

Shea Wambles hit a double and drove in one run along with scoring another run, while Alyssa Forehand drove in two runs and Landry Hataway scored one run. 

In the semifinals, Pike Lib topped Zion Chapel 3-2. Pike took a 3-0 lead in the third inning and Zion Chapel rallied to score two runs in the fourth but were never able to get any closer in a tight pitching duel. 

For PLAS, Mary Holland Stephens hit a triple and drove in two runs. She, Shelly Stephens and Allie Booth each scored one run. Barron pitched all seven innings and fanned three batters, while giving up seven hits and two earned runs. 

For Zion Chapel, Kaylee Hodge collected two hits, while Wambles hit a double and scored a run. Forehand drove in two runs and Aubrey Bassett scored one run. Sydney Boothe pitched six innings and struck out five batters along with giving up two hits and two earned runs. 

In an elimination game, Luverne defeated Goshen by a score of 16-1. Zion Chapel and Luverne will rematch in another elimination game on Tuesday. The winner faces PLAS in the championship round. Pike will need just one win to secure an Area Championship, while whoever the Lady Patriots play will have to defeat them twice to earn the area crown.