Survive and advance.

Cloudland relied on a potent offensive effort and shutout from pitcher Kenzie Benfield to earn a 14-0 triumph over the Lady Bulldogs in the first round of the District 1-A softball tournament Saturday afternoon at Unaka High School.

With the victory, the Lady Highlanders move to Monday’s contest against North Greene while Hampton saw its season come to close.

“Our girls were focused coming into today’s game,”said Matt Birchfield, Cloudland head coach. “The kids got the bats going early and we’re able to put together some hits that really got the momentum going. They were able to make plays on the field and on the mound. I’m proud of their effort today.”

Cloudland entered the bottom half of the first unscathed and plated two runners off wild pitches. Kaylen Fields followed up the keen baserunning with a two-RBI double, giving Cloudland the 4-0 advantage.

Continuing the trend in the second frame, Leah Birchfield showed her wheels by legging out a two-run inside-the-park home run to anchor Cloudland’s eight-run inning. Rein Strickland, Heaven Caraway and Jasmine Birchfield were also able to aid the cause, driving in five runs combined during the second.

Gracie Cook and Leah Birchfield capped off the rout in the third with an RBI double and sac-fly to move the score to 14-0.

The Lady ‘Dogs didn’t go quietly into the night, forcing a pair of double plays later in the contest.

“We’re a young team, but we’re going to learn,” said HHS coach Joanna Orr.