Niceville softball downs Choctaw in 8

FORT WALTON BEACH ? Niceville needed a little more time in its District 1-5A softball game with county rival Choctawhatchee on Thursday. But in the end, the extra work paid off. The Eagles scored a pair of runs in the top of the eighth to down the host Indians 2-0. It was the first game between the two teams since the Indians knocked out the then-No. 1 Eagles in the semifinals of the district tournament last spring. Niceville (5-0, 3-0 district) caught a break with one out in the eighth when Missy Milligan bunted and went all the way to third on an Aubrey Claxton error. Milligan stayed at third as Marisa Wendt reached on an infield hit and scored on a smash by Taylor Tiahrt. Wendt later scored from third as Kelly Hensley reached on a fielder?s choice. In reality, Hensley and her pitching counterpart, Chantel Dodge, were the stories of the game. ?It was a pitcher?s duel,? Eagles coach Danny Hensley said. ?Both of the pitchers dominated. Our kids have hit the ball pretty well, but we couldn?t do anything against Chantel. ?They made a bad throw and we got a hit and that was the difference in the game.? Dodge threw a four-hitter, two of which were infield hits, and struck out 16 Niceville batters. Hensley was equally impressive, holding the Indians (3-4, 1-4) hitless through 5 2/3 innings and giving up just two hits while striking out 12. Brooke Byler and Ashley Leonard, who had the Choctaw hits, were the only Indians to reach base. Niceville?s Ellen McNair was the only batter with more than one hit in the game. The Eagle catcher stroked a double in the first inning and singled in the eighth. As is often the case in great pitching duels, there were some outstanding defensive plays as well. Both centerfielders turned in gems with diving catches. Byler robbed McNair with a great catch to end the sixth inning. Not to be outdone, Wendt made a similar play in the seventh to deprive Hannah Renn of what looked like single. Indians coach Billy Rice could only shake his head as his team lost yet another close game. Choctaw?s four losses have been by a combined total of five runs. ?We just have to find a way to get over the hump and find a way to win, but we haven?t yet,? Rice said. ?We?re playing hard and working but something happens every game. ?You have to stay on top of your game against Niceville because they will make you pay for your mistakes. We had our opportunities tonight, but we didn?t cash in.? Niceville hosts Tate tonight in a district game, while Choctawhatchee welcomes Navarre in a non-district contest. Niceville 000 000 02 ? 2 4 0 Choctaw 000 000 00 ? 0 2 2 W ? Kelly Hensley. L?Chantel Dodge JV: Niceville won