Alcovy opened region-play much like how they ended it last season – in dominant fashion. The Lady Tigers blanked Tucker 12-0 to begin region play after losing their opening game on Tuesday at Ola, 6-1.

“We just wanted to come in and continue what we were doing and just build on from – this is only our second game of the season – to start the region off right,” Brandy Keeter, Alcovy head coach said.

Alcovy’s Tanisha “Skeeter” Williams pitched a no-hitter, throwing eight K’s and facing the minimum in three-and-a-half innings. Williams was also special at the plate, she went 2-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.

“She played for us last year some and so we just wanted to give her a chance to pitch because she’ll be what we go to next year once Kalia graduates,” Keeter said of Williams, who looks like a go-to pitcher for any team.

Sophomore catcher Emma Waddell and senior first baseman Kalia Johnson combined for three RBI and three runs on offense.

The Lady Tigers’ defense didn’t have to work much because of Williams’ stellar pitching, but Waddell did make a lightning fast catch on a foul ball that was being hit over her head behind the plate to get the first out of the final inning.

“Yeah it’s a good way to start the season. We started off region right and just working on things and working on seeing some live pitching, fielding, things like that,” Keeter added.

The Lady Tigers first six batters were amazing, most of them finished the game with a batting average over .500 for the contest.

“We really focused on hitting and just making sure – trying to cut down on strikes that we had last year. Just putting the ball in play and making the team make plays,” Keeter said.

The fact Alcovy played well without usual starting pitcher Kalia Johnson and without one of their best bats in the lineup, Raven Smith, doesn’t bode well for those who wish to challenge Alcovy for the region title.

Alcovy will travel to face Rockdale County on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. before facing county-rival Newton on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.