[02/21/01] If Lucy Young was unhappy with her team’s offense after two wins Saturday, she must have been downright upset after Tuesday.

Warren Central was held hitless by Pearl’s Michelle Moak in a 5-0 loss, the first for the Lady Vikes.

“We’ve got to step in the batter’s box with the intent to hit the ball,” Young said. “Select your pitch and go with it … we’ve got to be more aggressive.”

WC eighth-grader Lauren Anderson struck out seven, walked three and allowed seven hits in the loss.

Moak, a senior, fanned seven, walked five and hit three batters in Pearl’s first game. She ended it by retiring seven straight.

“She’s had several one-hitters, but that’s her first no-hitter,” said Pearl coach Danny Welborn, who pitched for Pearl and Hinds. “We’ve only had about seven practices … so this is a heck of a way to get started.”

WC had its best opportunity in the bottom of the fourth inning, with Pearl up, 4-0.

WC loaded the bases with three walks, but there were two outs with the No. 9 batter up. After going to a 3-2 count, Moak got a strikeout to end the threat.

“We can’t be intimidated by a good pitcher,” Young said.

WC scored a total of 29 runs in a doubleheader sweep of Brookhaven on Saturday, but were helped by 36 walks. Young said then her offense had to get better.

Still, she isn’t discouraged.

“Our defense is pretty solid … and we’re getting our bats on the ball,” she said, noting that two eighth-graders, a freshman and six sophomores are in the line-up. “We’re a little sharper than we were at this time last year.”