GLOUSTER, Ohio — Extra softball in Athens County.

The River Valley softball team defeated host Trimble 4-3 in eight innings during a non-league contest Thursday night.

After a slow start the Lady Raiders (6-17) broke through first, scoring a pair of runs in the top of the third inning. Trimble (4-14) answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth to cut the lead to 2-1.

River Valley extended its lead back to two after pushing a run across in the top of the fifth inning. Trimble tied the game with a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings.

Ashley Morgan drove in Ciara Layne with two out in the top of the eighth to give RVHS the one run lead. The Lady Tomcats failed to score in the home half of the eighth and fell to RVHS 4-3.

Noel Mershon earned the victory after giving up three runs on six hits and three walks in eight innings. Mershon struck out eight batters on the night.

Brown was credited with the loss for THS after giving up four runs on seven hits and three walks in eight innings. Brown struck out four Lady Raiders.

River Valley’s offense was paced by Chelsea Copley, who had three hits, including a triple, two runs scored and one RBI.Noel Mershon and Ashley Morgan each had RBI singles, while Libby Leach and Mary Waugh each finished with one hit.

McCoy, Moore, and Jayjohn each had two hits for the host Lady Tomcats.

The Lady Raiders return to action Tuesday in the sectional tournament at Meigs at 5 p.m.