By DAVE WOODALL
Slidell sports writer
SLIDELL — The Pope John Paul II Lady Jaguars softball team opened their home season with a 12-7 win over the Pearl River Lady Rebels.
Madison York opened on the mound for the Lady Jags and was in control for 2 1/3 innings striking out four and giving up no runs.
But with one out and two runs in the inning, York lost her control and walked two and hit a batter. She was relieved by Angela Boulboulle and got out of the inning with no more damage.
The Lady Jags scored two runs in the first inning; one in the second; three in the third; one in the fourth; and five in the sixth inning.
Abby Mayfield took the loss for the Lady Rebels giving up seven runs, on 10 hits.
York took the win for PJP giving up three hits while striking out four and allowing five runs. Boulboulle struck out six in relief and gave up two runs.
Having a big day at the plate for PJP was K. K. Batistella going 3-for-3 with three RBI’s and a booming homerun over the right-center field fence. Other Lady Jags with hits were Rachel Edwards with two hits and one RBI; Peyton Corwin with one hit; Brittany Chetta with a double and an RBI; Ashley Rodrique with two RBIs; Chloe Cooper with one hit and one RBI; Chloe Bryars with one RBI; Sydney Castillo with two hits and two RBIs; Leanne Laine with one RBI; York with one hit.
Pearl River picked up only three hits with Alyssa Ross picking up a single and a double with one RBI. Madi Roya got the other hit. All the other Rebel runs came via walks and PJP errors.
“It was a good home opener for us,” Jaguar head coach Mark Jeanmard said. “We hit the ball hard throughout the game and had some adversity early in the game when they came back to tie us at 3-3. The girls showed good character and they all did their jobs. We are a young team with only one senior (Batistella). “ Jeanmard went on to say, “She is an incredible athlete and kid. We are blessed to have her and her leadership skills.”