ROCK FALLS – Mendota and Rock Falls slugged it out for seven innings before the host Lady Rockets prevailed, 13-12, in the softball season-opener for the Lady Trojans on April 28.

Rock Falls jumped out to a 5-0 lead after the opening frame and held a seemingly comfortable 11-2 advantage after four innings before Mendota came storming back. The Lady Trojans plated six runs in the top of the fifth to make it 11-8, but Rock Falls responded with a pair of tallies in the bottom of the inning.

After both teams went scoreless in the sixth, Mendota pushed across four runs in the top of the seventh, but it was one run too short.

Both teams were in mid-season form with the bats as the Lady Trojans collected 10 hits and Rock Falls banged out 17.

Katie Jenner had two doubles and scored three runs for Mendota, while Lauren Martin, Paige Manning and Felicia Arteaga had two singles apiece. Emma Schultz added a double for the Lady Trojans.

Manning (LP) got the start in the circle and pitched into the fifth inning before being relieved by Mary DeFore.