Two days after suffering a 12-run loss to Middlesboro at home, the Lady Cats took out the Knox Central Lady Panthers at home on Thursday, 3-2.

Seventh-grader Mackenzie Miller set the Bell County High School softball strikeout record during the game, recording 18 total strikeouts. Sophomore Amber Partin also had 10 strikeouts during the game for Knox Central.

Both pitcher’s combined strikeout totals set a new state record for most combined strikeouts in a game, previously held by Southwestern and Garrard County in 2009 with 27 total combined strikeouts.

“I’m very proud of the way we played,” said Bell County coach Alex Barnett. “We looked a lot better today at all positions. Our defense was very good, our pitching was superb and we just played a complete game. We’ve had a few slip ups this season, but we’ve bounced back pretty well after both of our setbacks. Coach Campbell really left us in a good position to do great things this year. He taught me everything I know about softball and coaching. We are thankful that his influence has spilled over into this season.”

”Amber Partin did a good job on the mound and Kaeli Hale behind the plate made a great duo,” said Knox Central coach Bethany Hensley. “Our team came out strong with defense, but our bats weren’t there against Bell County. We struggled at the plate. We hadn’t played in about a week, and I feel like our timing was off.

“We have been struggling all season with injuries, but we are getting back one by one. Our team is very young this season but they are learning their roles in the line-up 1-9. Our team stands strong behind our motto of being humble but stay hungry. If we keep progressing each game, I am excited to see where we will be come May.”

Sarah Brooks, Kayleigh Saylor and Mary-Kate Smith drove in one run apiece for the Lady Cats. Catcher Kaeli Hale drove in both Lady Panther runs for Knox Central.

Partin was given the loss for Knox Central as she allowed three runs on four hits, with 10 strikeouts and zero walks in seven innings pitched. Miller was credited with the win after pitching six innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits with 18 strikeouts and two walks.

The Lady Cats took on the Harlan County Lady Bears on Monday at home. The Lady Panthers took on Jackson County at home on Monday.

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Knox Central (3-6) 00 002 0 – 2. 2.

Bell County (6-2) 000 012 x – 3. 4.

Miller and Napier; Partin and Hale. WP – Miller. LP – Partin