CHICORA — It wasn't flashy, but since the Karns City softball team had not played at all before Monday, coach Mike Simpson was pleased with the performance.

The Gremlins tallied three first-inning runs and received a solid outing from senior pitcher Brandi Dunkle to topple visiting West Shamokin 4-2.

"We have been practicing on the turf at the high school football field," Simpson said. "We had a few scrimmages lined up, but couldn't play them because there is now a rule that even scrimmages have to be played on regulation fields.

"Considering it was our first time out today, I'm happy with how we played, happy to get a win."

Karns City added a fourth run in the bottom of the sixth when Becky Todorich walked with the bases loaded, bringing home Samantha Bly.

But the Wolves (1-1) made things interesting in their final at-bat.

Dunkle had given up only one hit to that point, a second inning single off the bat of Bree Wilson before Alyssa Stewart led off the top of the seventh with an infield single and Wilson walked.

After striking out Britney Kirsch and getting Sara Nolf to ground out, Dunkle surrendered a two-run single to Jayna Rhine.

Corrin McElwain then grounded back to Dunkle to end the game.

Dunkle finished with nine strikeouts, one walk and surrendered two runs on three hits.

She retired the Wolves in order in four of seven innings, including all three by strikeout in the sixth.

"She did everything I expected out of her," Simpson said. "I'm not surprised at all that she pitched the way she did, even with it being our first game."

Karns City's offense was red hot early, with Breezy Rich doubling down the left-field line to open KC's half of the first inning.

With one out, Samantha Bly singled and Rich scored on a fielding error.

Dunkle followed with a triple to left, scoring Bly, and, on the same play, Dunkle scored on a throwing error.

The Gremlins (1-0) did their damage against West Shamokin sophomore pitcher Anna Lasslo, who settled down after the first inning.

Though she shouldered the defeat, Lasslo struck out six and walked three, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits.

"It's her first year as a starter," Wolves coach Sue Meixelberger. "It was a nice job and we're encouraged by it."

West Shamokin 000 000 2—2 3 3Karns City 300 001 x—4 6 1WP: Brandi Dunkle (7 IP) 9 strikeouts, 1 walk.

LP: Anna Lasslo (6 IP) 6 strikeouts, 3 walks

West Shamokin (1-1): Alyssa Stewart 1B R, Bree Wilson 1B R, Jayna Rhine 1B 2RBI

Karns City (1-0): Breezy Rich 2B R, Samantha Bly 1B 2R, Brandi Dunkle 3B R RBI, Lisa Kaylor 2-1B, Becky Todorich 3B RBI

Friday: Ford City at Karns City