PRESTONSBURG - The Prestonsburg softball team, under the direction of first-year head coach Rick Hughes, evened its record to 1-1 on Thursday (March 14), edging 15th Region rival Belfry 22-21 in seven innings.

Prestonsburg junior pitcher Haley Howell earned the win. Howell pitched the entire game for the Lady Blackcats.

Host Prestonsburg jumped ahead early, scoring 11 runs in the opening inning. The Lady Blackcats, however, needed two runs in the seventh inning to secure the win.

Helping her pitching cause, Howell was 3-for-4 at the plate.

Allyson DeRossett was 3-for-4 with a grand slam. DeRossett belted the grand slam in the fifth inning.

Kierra Shelton was 4-for-6 at the plate for the Lady Blackcats.

After defeating Belfry, Prestonsburg lost to Jackson City (4-14) and dropped a doubleheader to East Carter (0-10, 0-7)

Prestonsburg, which claimed the No. 10 spot in the Kentucky Softball Coaches Association’s Preseason 15th Region Poll, is scheduled to host Knott County Central on Friday.

Here’s a look around the 58th District.

Allen Central: Allen Central, under the tutelage of new head coach Johnny Layne, boasts a 2-3 record through its first five times. The Lady Rebels edged Sheldon Clark 18-17 in on Thursday (March 14) and defeated Knott County Central 17-11 on Tuesday. Allen Central has dropped games to Pike County Central (8-23), Belfry (7-17) and Hazard (7-8).

Betsy Layne: Magoffin County defeated Betsy Layne 11-1 in five innings in a season-opener Friday. Betsy Layne is under the guidance of first-year head coach Kelly Boles.

South Floyd: Belfry defeated South Floyd 18-3 in five innings in a season-opener Wednesday. Head coach Tiffany Turner guides the Lady Raiders.