BOWLING GREEN, Mo. -- It was a old-fashioned pitcher's duel between Bowling Green and Clopton on Tuesday night as the Lady Cats celebrated senior night. Unfortunately for Bowling Green, Clopton came out ahead with a 1-0 win over the Lady Cats.
Bowling Green senior pitcher Sydney Charlton had a dominant performance in the circle, striking out 16 batters. Charlton had a tough-luck loss after allowing just five hits, one walk and one earned run. After the game, Bowling Green recognized its three seniors -- Charlton, shortstop Olivia Dawson and center fielder Brooke Hickerson -- for their contributions to the softball program.
The Lady Cats had their best scoring opportunity in the bottom of the first inning when Dawson led off with a walk, Avery Jennings singled and Reagan Jennings walked to load the bases with just one out. However, Clopton pitcher Ashlyn Noah would strike out the next two Bowling Green batters. Charlton was able to pitch around trouble in the top of the fifth inning after allowing a leadoff single to Brooke Jarrett and Skylar Parker reached on an error with no outs.
The Lady Cats senior pitcher would strike out the side to end the threat. Clopton put the pressure back on Bowling Green in the sixth inning when Danica Graham singled to start off the frame and was bunted over by Charleigh Spoonster. Then, Rileigh Kuntz singled home Graham to score the game's lone run and give Clopton the lead.
Bowling Green threatened in the bottom of the seventh inning with Daws.