Area softball: No. 1 Zumbrota-Mazeppa 9, No. 8 Grand Meadow/LeRoy-Ostrander/Kingsland 0

The Cougars had no trouble in the first round of the Section 1AA West Tournament as they downed GMLOK Thursday night at home, holding the visitor to just one hit.

Every senior on the Z-M roster recorded a hit in her last at-bat in her home park, according to Z-M coach Kevin Nelson.

The Cougars received a scare in the bottom of the third when Megan Nelson was hit in the elbow by the softball as she slid into third base for a triple. Nelson, who started in the circle and struck out eight of the nine batters she faced, decided to be taken out of the game, leaving the pitching duties to Kacy Mitchell.

"It was just a case of instant swelling and tingling in the fingers," coach Nelson said of Z-M's ace. "She will probably be able to play on Saturday."

With the win, Z-M advanced to the second round of the Section 1AA West Tournament and plays fifth-seeded Cannon Falls at 11 a.m. Saturday in Pine Island.

Carissa Darcy homered for the Cougars and finished 2-for-3 with two runs and three RBI.

Carley Henning pitched the final inning, striking out one and not allowing a hit.

Julia Niebuhr finished 2-for-3 with a double, two runs and an RBI, while Mitchell went 2-for-3 with a double.

Z-M improved to 17-3 on the year.

Tags: sports, prep, softball, zumbrota, mazeppa, cougars