ShawneeDispatch.com

If the sun hadn't been staring Ashley Jones right in the face, it would've been easy to mistake the Mill Valley senior pitcher's squint for a smile Monday afternoon.

Jones conveyed that much confidence on the mound during game one of Mill Valley's softball doubleheader against Santa Fe Trail at the 3&2 West Complex.

Jones struck out 13 Chargers and allowed just four hits in a 2-0 victory.

"My pitcher-catcher combo did awesome," MVHS coach Heather Whitcomb said, referencing Jones and junior Madison Hargrove. "They called a great game, and Ashley pitched a great game. Everything was working."

After Jones struck out the side in the top of the first, the Lady Jaguars did their offensive damage in the bottom of the inning. Hargrove smashed a double to left field and senior Amanda Truax walked. Both advanced a base on steals when they capitalized on the Chargers' lack of focus. Sophomore Ashton Sparks hit a slow roller between the pitcher's mound and first base that was misplayed. Both Hargrove and Truax scored.

That was all the offense the Lady Jags needed. Jones mowed down batters and the Mill Valley defense took care of the rest to secure the victory.

Game two didn't go so smooth without Jones on the mound. Three early walks led to runs for Trail, and Mill Valley dug itself a deep hole before rallying late in a 6-4 loss.

It marked the third straight doubleheader split for Mill Valley after it lost its first four games of the season.

"We can't seem to find a way to win that second game, but we did rally back and get them on their toes," Whitcomb said. "We're still making mental mistakes, but we'll get over it."

Mill Valley (3-7) next plays at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Perry-Lecompton and then at 4:30 p.m. Friday against Tonganoxie at 3&2. Whitcomb said the Perry series could be pushed up to Wednesday to avoid a potential thunderstorm in Thursday's forecast.