(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian softball put together an excellent game on Friday, sticking with Payson through five innings before the Longhorns pulled away in the sixth to collect the 3A Metro Region win. Sophomore Meredith Whitehurst was a sight to see on the mound, with 10 strikeouts and one earned run in seven innings of work. 
 
On offense, Whitehurst continued to excel, registering a pair of base knocks and a stolen base. The Knights' other stolen bag came from senior speedster Kylee Olinger, after she reached base on balls. 
 
Senior Bailey Brown scored Gilbert Christian's lone run in the third inning, drawing a walk of her own, and using savvy base-running to cross home plate on a Longhorns' error to tie the contest at 1-all.  
 
Softball is back in action on Monday for another regional showdown at ALA-Ironwood. First pitch is scheduled for 3:45pm.