JEFFERSONTWP — Brittany Berkopec had to change helmets.

She didn't have to change her hitting approach.

The Mars leadoff hitter singled and scored the game's first run and doubled home another run in the seventh inning to give the Planets and pitcher Monica Glomb more than enough offense in a 3-0 win softball over Knoch at Laura Doerr Park Friday afternoon.

As Berkopec stepped up to the plate to lead off the game, Knoch coach ScottDocherty challenged the legality of Berkopec's navy blue helmet adorned with several gold stickers.

After a 10-minute debate, Berkopec changed helmets and promptly smacked a single to left field to get things started for Mars.

"Their coach said (the helmet) has to be school colors," said Mars coach Michele Goodworth. "As far as I know, all it has to have is a NOCSAE sticker on it. That's the first time that has happened to us. We'll look it up."

The PIAA rule book states a helmet must be approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. There is no mention of conforming to school colors.

The delay did little to slow down the Planets.

Mars scored two runs in the top of the first, taking advantage of a costly Knoch error.

The rest was left to Glomb, who was her usual dominating self.

Glomb struck out 13 Knoch batters in the first five innings and finished with a career-high 17 strikeouts.

"I was feeling good out there," Glomb said. "Everything was working."

Her curveball was working particularly well. It was so baffling to the Knights' hitters that even the home plate umpire was curious enough to ask Glomb how she threw the pitch after the game.

Docherty could do nothing but tip his cap to Glomb.

"She's one of the best pitchers in the state," Docherty said. "She has her own pitching coach and her own trainer. We put the bat on the ball. Most teams this season haven't been able to touch her."

Lost in Glomb's effectiveness was the effort of Knoch's two pitchers, Stephanie Fincher and Chelsea Martin.

Fincher gave up two runs, only one was earned, on three hits in the first inning, but settled down to give up only two hits in the next three frames.

Martin relieved her in the fifth inning and retired six straight Mars batters before giving up a run on two hits in the seventh.

"Mars only has one pitcher," Docherty said. "I've developed five and I'm not afraid to go with any of them. There should be a rule that you can't ride a pitcher all season."

But there isn't.

Glomb is 8-0 this season and her ERA is well below one.

She missed the first two games of the season because of an illness and Mars (8-2 overall, 5-0 in the section) lost both contests by one run.

Last year, Mars started 5-0 in the section before Glomb fell ill and the Planets lost a section game.

The key Friday was the top of the Planets' order, led by Berkopec and No. 2 hitter Hannah Taggart. The two had four of Mars' seven hits.

"We've been doing that this season — jumping out on people," Goodworth said.

That makes Glomb a very happy pitcher.

"When we get a lead like that, it just adds to my confidence," she said.

Jade Thrower and Kirsten Brant had the only two hits for the Knights (8-4, 1-4), who have dropped four of their last six games and four straight in the section.

Mars 200 000 1—3 7 0Knoch 000 000 0—0 2 2WP: Monica Glomb (7 IP) 17 strikeouts, 0 walks.

LP: Stephanie Fincher (4 IP) 1 strikeout, 0 walks

Mars (8-2, 5-0): Brittany Berkopec 1B, 2B, RBI; Hannah Taggart 2-1B, RBI; Brie Berkopec RBI; Glomb 1B; Emma Wharrey 1B; Kristin Scheller 1B

Knoch (8-4, 1-4): Kirsten Brant 1B; Jade Thrower 1B

Monday: Fox Chapel at Mars