SOFTBALL: DMS picks up first win of the season at Chester

The Lady Warriors got in the win column for the first time this season on Thursday, winning a road game at Chester 12-6 with the help of an eight-run third inning.

Du Quoin had just five hits and committed seven errors on defense, but took advantage of eight walks and two hit batters at the plate. Maddie Robison got the win in the pitching circle, allowing five hits and five walks while striking out seven.

"Robison threw very well for us today, she did a good job of getting ahead and making Chester put the ball in play," said Du Quoin Middle School head softball coach Jason James. "Hitting and defense we had our moments. We are still a long way away from where we need to be but we will continue to work hard every day."

DMS trailed 4-1 after two innings but came to life in the top of the third. Robison and Bailey Harsy started things off with back-to-back walks to set the table for Chloe Hess's two-run triple. An error, a hit batter and a fielder's choice kept things going for Braylee Watson to deliver a one-out RBI double later in what became an eight-run rally for the Lady Warriors.

Robison settled in during the middle innings of the game, allowing just one hit total in the third, fourth and fifth innings. The offense kept tacking on, too, getting a run in the fourth after a single by Hess and a pair of wild pitches, another in the sixth on Ella Hirsch's RBI triple, and one more in the top of the seventh when Robison singled for an RBI.

Hess (2-3, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB), Hirsch (1-4, R, RBI, 3B), Watson (1-4, R, RBI, 2B) and Robison (1-3, RBI, BB) had Du Quoin's hits. Avery Waller was hitless at 0-for-2, but scored three runs after reaching base with a pair of walks and a fielder's choice.

The Lady Warriors (1-3) will travel to Carmi this Saturday for a tournament.