The DeKalb Middle School Lady Saints softball team had a battle with Avery Trace last Thursday, taking the early lead then holding on after a late game surge.

Avery Trace struck first, scoring one run at the top of the first after a triple line drive to left field.

The Lady Saints would match the score as they came to bat. Lillie Young doubled on a line drive to left field, and would score after Hannah Brown singled on a fly to second base. The score was tied 1-1.

At the bottom of the second, the Lady Saints pulled away with three more runs. Allie Estes singled on a fly ball to short, followed by a bunt by Sophie Adcock to third. Jerusalem Aldino next tripled on a line drive to right, sending Estes and Adcock home.

Later, Maggie Hendrixson hit a triple on a line drive to right, sending Aldino home. The Lady Saints were up, 4-1.

DMS added one more run at the bottom of the fourth. Aldino reached on a hard grounder and an error by short, and later Hendrixson doubled on a line drive to center, sending Aldino across the plate. Lakelyn Nelson singled on a bunt to third as Hendrixson took third, then Lillie Young grounded out to the pitcher as Hendrixson scored. The Lady Saints held a 6-1 lead.

Avery Trace had one last chance to get in the game as they came to bat at the top of the fifth. They would come away with four runs, and the Lady Saints held on for the 6-5 victory.

Liliana Judkins claimed the win for the Lady Saints from the circle. She went five innings, allowing seven hits and five runs, while striking out two.