CHERRYTWP— It's only been a year, but what a year it's been.

With only one win last season, not many people thought the Knoch softball team would challenge anyone this year, but the squad is making last year's record ancient history.

Knoch scored nine runs in the final two innings Friday on its way to a 14-2 win over Moniteau and, in the process, improved to 5-0.

"It's really the same team as last year," said senior third baseman Tiffany Allen. "We've totally turned things around."

"That is a good-hitting team and they're well-coached," said Moniteau coach Danny Hindman. "We needed a good test for our team."

Under first-year coach Scott Docherty, Knoch has coupled strong hitting with a solid pitching attack.

On Friday, it was Chelsea Martin who shined, striking out 12 batters and walking four while scattering six hits in the complete-game victory.

"(Martin) threw real nice. She mixed her location," said Hindman. "We hit her at times. We're a young team, but give her all the credit in the world. She threw really well."

Martin struck out the first six Warriors to face her, and a three-run second inning staked her to an early lead.

An RBI triple by Jade Thrower drove home Kirsten Brant and the Knights added a pair of runs off fielder's choices on consecutive plays.

Moniteau almost countered with a rally in their half of the inning when Brandy Neff singled and Amber Neff followed with a bunt single, but Martin fanned the next three batters to escape the jam.

Single runs in the third and fourth innings made it a 5-0 game, thanks to an error and another fielder's choice, respectively.

Moniteau finally got on the board in the fifth inning when Stephanie Bonzo opened with a walk. Ashley Pisor dropped a bunt and beat the throw to first. However, Bonzo was tagged out trying to go to third base.

When Pisor went for second base, a wild throw allowed her to come all the way around to score.

Megan Campbell then singled and Sara Vinca bunted safely, but Martin struck out Martina Burk and induced Brandi Neff to ground out to end the inning.

A two-run single by Megan Bastin and an RBI double by Brant in the sixth inning gave the Knights an 8-1 lead.

Moniteau got a run back in the bottom of the frame when Amber Neff scored on a wild pitch with two outs.

Knoch closed out the scoring with six runs in the seventh inning, highlighted by another Bastin two-run single and a run-scoring single by Jackie Brodeur.

Knoch 031 103 6—14 10 4

Moniteau 000 011 0—2 6 4

WP: Chelsea Martin (7 IP) 12 strikeouts, 4 walks.

LP: Sara Vinca (6+ IP) 6 strikeouts, 7 walks

Knoch (5-0): Jade Thrower 1B, 3B, RBI; Michelle Steinmiller 1B, RBI; Tiffany Allen 1B, RBI; Jackie Brodeur 2-1B, RBI; Chelsea Martin 1B, RBI; Megan Bastin 1B, 4 RBI; Kirsten Brant 2B, RBI

Moniteau (1-2): Brandi Neff 1B; Amber Neff 2-1B; Ashley Pisor 1B, Megan Campbell 1B; Sara Vinca 1B

Monday: Knoch at Pine-Richland; Slippery Rock at Moniteau