[9/10/03]Defense played a key role for Warren Central on Tuesday as the Lady Vikes held off a late surge by Brandon to win 6-5 at Lady Vikes Field.

Brandon sent in two runs in the top of the seventh but stranded two runners to end the game.

WC relied on timely hitting and mistake-free defense as it rallied for four runs over the course of the fourth and fifth innings.

“We played really good,” WC coach Lucy Young said. “Probably one of our best defensive games that we have played. For once, we limited our errors. We had some great defensive plays.”

One of the best plays in the game for the Lady Vikes came in top of the sixth when Aubrey Evans led off with a double to the left-field fence for Brandon. Kristen Ashley ran down the ball and relayed the throw to Cookie Johnson, who turned and threw out Evans as she attempted to stretch the hit to third base.

With the out, the Lady Bulldogs lost their momentum and were retired in order to end the inning.

“Cookie Johnson has probably got one of the best arms in the state,” Young said. “When we can get that ball in her hand, then she can come up with big plays like that.”

After scoring a run in each of the first two innings, WC led 2-1. But Brandon brought in two runs in the top of the third on a pair of RBI singles from Lindsay Keyes and Kala Griffith.

The Lady Vikes began the bottom half with a pair of singles by Kristen Baker and Tiffany Fuller but could not bring them in, ending the inning with three fly outs.

Tranyce Peoples led off the fourth with a single and advanced to third base on an error. Lauren Anderson followed with an RBI sacrifice fly to tie the score at 3.

Warren Central loaded the bases on singles by Brittany Fuller, Anna Jones and Saleda Montgomery. Tiffany Fuller then knoced in her sister for the 4-3 lead.

In the fifth, the Lady Vikes continued to capitalize with runners on base.

Johnson and Peoples hit singles, and Anderson doubled to bring both in for a 6-3 advantage.

Brandon sent in two in the top of the seventh, but Warren Central pitcher Keisha Blue coaxed a fly out to left-center and a ground out to third to end the game.

Warren Central hosts crosstown rival Vicksburg on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Lady Vikes Field.