Preps

Chiefs turn it on to top Lions, take top seed

TAMPA -- An eight-run third inning helped Chamberlain secure the top seed in the upcoming district tournament by defeating King 13-3 in five innings Tuesday on the Lions' field.

"At this point of the season, what we're trying to do is get on a roll," Chamberlain coach Bobby Diez said. "We want to finish up strong heading into the important part of the season."

Chamberlain (17-5, 11-0) remained perfect in the district and swept the season series with the Lions, beating King (11-7, 9-2) for the second time by the same score.

"We've got a few girls from the 2001 team that went to states, so they're a very mature group," Diez said. "They know when to turn it on and when it's time to play."

The Chiefs turned it on early against King, scoring 12 runs in the first three innings off starter Frances Snelling. The Chiefs scored four in the first, but it was an eight-run third that all but secured the victory.

"That's the way it's been for us all season," King coach Karen Nalette said. "We've played teams tight, but in the games we've lost it's been that one inning."

That one inning came in the third Tuesday.

Chamberlain sent 12 batters to the plate in the inning, and seven players scored at least once. The Chiefs strung together four singles to open the inning and scored four before King got an out. Melissa Zick and Carly Griffin were 2-for-2 in the third.

"Last time we played them it was the second inning, and this time it was the third," Nalette said. Chamberlain scored nine in the second in the first meeting.

The Chiefs' 3-4-5 batters went a combined 8-for-9 with six RBIs before Diez pulled most of the starters in the fourth. Zick was 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, and Griffin was 3-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs.

Meanwhile, Chamberlain starter Kelly Confer was cruising. The freshman right-hander gave up all three runs -- one earned -- and allowed three hits while striking out seven in five innings.

With one district game remaining, the Chiefs are peaking at the right time. They also will receive a boost with the return of ace and cleanup hitter Amanda Cody, who is expected to be ready for districts after missing the past two weeks with a sore back.

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