Columbus East High School

The Columbus East softball team notched its first Hoosier Hills Conference victory of the season on Monday night, taking down New Albany 5-2 in a steady, all-around performance at the Bulldogs' home field. Pitching Leads the Way: Baleigh Fish was dominant in the circle for East, striking out 11 batters and keeping New Albany in check through key innings. Her command helped neutralize threats, including stranding runners in scoring position in the third, fifth, and seventh innings. Offense Strikes Early The Olympians struck in the top of the second inning when Thaise Jessup ripped a double to right, scoring Jacque Boroughs for the game’s first run. Jessup later came around on a groundout by Jade Hampton to make it 2-0. In the fifth, Columbus East added another run thanks to timely hitting. Jessup again came through with a clutch RBI single, bringing home Natasha Armstrong, who had led off the inning with a double. Sealing the Deal in the Sixth The Olympians created breathing room in the sixth. Armstrong and Lola Watkins both reached, setting the stage for Fish, who helped her own cause with a two-RBI single to center that made it 5-2. Defensive Stand New Albany didn’t go quietly, loading the bases in the bottom of the seventh. But with two outs and pressure mounting, the Bulldogs' rally was snuffed out when catcher Thaise Jessup threw a bullet a to third, picking off the New Albany runner to end the game—fittingly handled by the sure hands of third baseman Hampton. Key Performers Baleigh Fish**: Win, 7 IP, 11 K, 2 ER, plus a 2-for-4 night with 2 RBIs Thaise Jessup: 3-for-4, 2 RBIs, 1 Run Natasha Armstrong: 2-for-4, 2B, 2 Runs Lola Watkins: 2-for-4, strong defense in center field Jacque Boroughs: Reached base twice and scored the first run Great win O's! The O's are back at home at the Torch Yard Thursday night (5/7) when they face Trinity Lutheran. First pitch: 5:30 p.m.