Payson Roundup

Photo by Andy Towle

Chrissy Heron catches a pop fly to help end the top half of the sixth inning during a topsy-turvy game against the Lady Cougars of Show Low.

Like the used car salesman who couldn’t convince the little old lady from Pasadena to lay down her cash, the Lady Longhorns couldn’t close the deal against the Show Low Cougars.

Leading 3-1 going into the top of the seventh inning, Payson needed only three outs to whip the Cougars, and claim a victory over one of the Lady Horns’ most heated rivals.

A win, however, was not in the cards for Payson, as the Cougars rallied for four runs to take a 5-3 lead.

Payson had a last gasp effort in the bottom of the seventh to rally, but failed to score, or, for that matter, threaten with a runner on base.

The East region showdown was played March 16 on PHS diamond.

For the game, coach Will Dunman started his ace Mary Hagen on the hill and she went the distance, absorbing the heartbreaking loss.

“She pitched great,” said assistant coach Kadi Tenney.

Payson’s offense was led by leadoff hitter Rylee Halenar and Chrissy Heron, the number two hitter in the lineup.

Both are slap hitters and used their technique, timing and quickness out of the batter’s box to reach base.

With the loss, the Lady Horns fall to 0-1 in the East region title chase. The team now takes a break from East play to participate in the Gracie Haught Classic which begins today, March 19, at Rumsey Park and PHS.