ADAMS TWP - It appears Monica Glomb is mortal.

But not that mortal.

The Mars pitcher, who came into the game against Knoch Monday with a tiny 0.66 earned run average, gave up a three-run triple in the top of the fifth inning to tie the score at 3.

But Glomb settled down and the Planets re-opened their three-run advantage in the bottom of the fifth for a 6-3 home softball win over the pesky Knights.

"Sometimes I forget she's only a sophomore," said Mars coach Michele Goodworth. "I treat her as if she were a senior. She acts like she is a senior. She's very vocal. She's carrying a lot of weight on her shoulders."

Glomb struck out 12 and walked just one, giving up six hits. She had a no-hitter through four innings before running into trouble in the fifth.

Her problems in the frame culminated with a bases-loaded triple by Knoch freshman Kirsten Brant.

But Glomb retired the next two batters to get out of the inning and wiggled out of small jams in the sixth and seventh to record the win.

"She's a tough pitcher," said Knoch coach Julia Nesbitt. "We're proud that we were able to get three runs off of her."

Mars (8-1 overall, 5-0 in the section) jumped on Knoch pitcher Stephanie Fincher for two runs in the bottom of the second inning on the strength of a two-run double by Amanda Charles.

The Planets tacked on another run in the third when Brie Berkopec led off with a single and advanced to third on a two-base error before scoring on a wild pitch.

Nesbitt said facing Mars' lineup is a daunting task.

"They don't have a bottom of the order," Nesbitt said. "They just have one order. From top to bottom, they can all hit."

Mars showed that by breaking the 3-all tie with three runs in the bottom of the fifth.

After Kristin Scheller drove home a run with a single, the Planets loaded the bases with one out. Pinch hitter Brooke Davidson then hit a fly ball to shallow center field that dropped in front of Meghan Bastin. But Bastin scooped up the ball and fired it to second to nip Scheller for a force out.

However, two runs managed to score on the play, giving Davidson an unlikely two-run fielder's choice.

For Mars, pulling out a game like this can only help it later in the season, Goodworth said.

"I had confidence (we would get the lead back)," Goodworth said. "We've spent a lot of time this season on hitting, getting back to basics, working on mechanics. They feel confident in every game we play."

Mars will have a chance Wednesday to avenge its only loss of the season when it hosts Pine-Richland. The Planets lost to P-R 4-3 earlier in the season.

"We're ready for some revenge," Goodworth said.

Knoch (0-9, 0-5) is more than ready to enjoy its first win.

The Knights have been competitive this season, but haven't been able to find a way to scratch out a victory. That was the fate that befell it on Monday.

"Mars is on a nice winning streak," Nesbitt said. "And we haven't had our winning streak yet. But it's coming."

Knoch 000 030 0 - 3 6 3

Mars 021 030 x - 6 6 2

WP:

Monica Glomb (7 IP) 12 strikeouts, 1 walk.

LP:

Stephanie Fincher (6 IP) 2 strikeouts, 4 walks

Knoch (0-9, 0-5):

Kirsten Brant 3B, 3-RBI; Zoe Hughes 2-1B; Sharaya Kiddle 1B; Autumn Miller 2-1B

Mars (8-1, 5-0):

Amanda Charles 2B, RBI; Brie Berkopec 1B; Glomb 2B; Kristin Scheller 2-1B, RBI; Brooke Davidson 2-RBI; Kelsey Schroth 1B

Wednesday:

Pine-Richland at Mars

Monday:

Kittanning at Knoch