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MOUNTAIN CITY — The Unaka Jr. Lady Rangers continued their strong season Tuesday, rallying late to defeat Johnson County Middle School 8-5 and improve to 8-1 overall.

Trailing 4-1 in the third inning, Unaka cut the deficit to one after Kelsey Pasquale launched a two-run homer to center. Still down 5-3 heading into the final inning, the Jr. Lady Rangers mounted a comeback.

Back-to-back walks and a double by Zoie Miller tied the game at 5-5. Claryssa Taylor and Laycee Otey followed with base hits to break the tie and give Unaka a 6-5 lead. Callie Vaughn added insurance with a single to left, bringing home Taylor and Otey to make it 8-5 just as the time limit was reached.

Otey finished 3-for-3 at the plate, while Mackenzie Grindstaff went 2-for-3. On the mound, Miller threw five innings, allowing four runs and striking out seven to earn the win.

The Jr. Lady Rangers have now won five straight and will travel to take on Providence Academy on Thursday.