Aug. 13 -- Claremore made a statement to the rest of Class 5A on Tuesday.

The Lady Zebras scored a significant 4-2 victory over Guthrie -- the Class 5A state runner-up from last season -- in the Trina Wheeler Festival at Pryor over Guthrie. This win highlighted Claremore's potential as it begins its season with confidence.

Pitcher Alexsis Morton led the charge for the Lady Zebras, delivering a solid performance on the mound. She allowed only four hits and two runs (one earned) through five innings, striking out four and walking none. Morton's command and composure were pivotal in holding the Lady Bluejays' powerful lineup at bay.

Claremore found itself trailing early after Guthrie took the lead with a double in the third inning and a solo home run in the fourth. However, it quickly responded when Makenzie McNamara sparked the comeback with a single that tied the game at 1 in the top of the fourth inning.

The decisive moment came in the fifth inning when the Lady Zebras' offense came alive.

Avery Hyde's sacrifice fly brought in the go-ahead run, followed by a triple from Sydnee Bass and an error by Guthrie that extended the lead to 4-2. Bass and Hyde both contributed crucial RBIs, driving in runs that secured the victory.

Claremore spread the wealth offensively, with hits from McNamara, Bass, Grace Weaver, Halle Bucktrot and Hyde. The Lady Zebras also showed patience at the plate, drawing five walks, which helped keep the pressure on the Lady Bluejays throughout the game.

Guthrie's efforts were led by Brylan Shephard and Haley Gallo, who each recorded a hit and an RBI. Despite their attempts to rally, Claremore's strong defense and Morton's steady pitching proved too much to overcome.

The Lady Zebras will look to build on this momentum as they face Carl Albert next, with a game scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.