Newton and Alcovy softball hit the diamond Tuesday for the only time this season against each other in a scrimmage before both teams open regular-season play Friday. The Lady Tigers will play in a tournament at South Gwinnett while Newton plays at Griffin in the Diamond Classic. Both teams had similar agendas — work out some bugs and see what needs work.

Newton had its first look at what its pitching will look like and while Alcovy roughed the Lady Rams up, the pitchers threw strikes. Alcovy threw two girls as well with more success but neither team was where it wants to be yet.

The Lady Tigers torched Newton's pitching but the Lad Rams played pretty solid defensively. Each team made a few mental mistakes on the base paths and in the field and will need to get those shored up before Friday.

Newton will face a tough challenge with its pitching though as neither arm the Lady Tigers threw out there is a conventional pitcher. Both are a work in progress. The Lady Tigers are better off with their pitching as both Chelsie Nolley and Chelsea Murphy were effective.

Both Newton and Alcovy open play Friday. Each plays their first game at 5 p.m.