Straughn’s Kayla Messer hit a solo home run in the top of the fourth inning to help lift her team in a 2-1 victory over the Lady Bulldogs Monday night at the Andalusia Sports Complex.

Tuesday night’s game was the first time Straughn had a seven-inning game this season, Straughn coach Ray Wilson said.

“It was a real good game,” Wilson said. “It was a typical Andalusia-Straughn match up. (Andalusia pitcher) Paige (Caraway) did a tremendous job right there. She’s tough and knows how to pitch. She did a real good job of hitting our spots.”

For the night, Messer was 2-for-3 with one single and the home run.

After Messer’s home run, Caraway didn’t give up too easily on the mound striking out the next three batters to end the top half of the inning.

Despite the loss, Caraway allowed only four hits, one walk, two runs and had 16 strikeouts.

Andalusia coach Marcus Taylor said he was proud of the way his team played against a “good” team like Straughn.

“It’s hard to be upset after last night’s game because of the way they came out and competed,” Taylor said. “We fell behind early with that home run, but we fought back again, and that’s something that this team is starting to do over and over again — to fight back whenever they suffer adversity.

“I don’t really know what more you could ask of your team, but to just keep fighting back, and these girls do that,” he said. “I think we came away from the game realizing we can compete with one of the best softball teams in the state.”

Kaitlynn Wiggins was 2-for-3 with two singles and one run.

Straughn’s Katy Messick earned the win on the mound pitching 5.0 innings, striking out six batters, allowing four hits, no walks and no runs.

“She hit her spots well,” Wilson said.

Wiggins earned the save pitching 2.0 innings, allowing three hits, one run and striking out five.

Andalusia scored its only run in the sixth inning on an RBI double from Kenna Edmondson to score courtesy runner Kristin Evans.

Wiggins scored her team’s final run of the night on an error by Andalusia.

“That turned out to be the difference in the game — the last run we scored late,” Wilson said. “We did a decent job defensively. We had a few blunders in the field. Fortunately, they didn’t hurt us too bad.”

Andalusia’s next game will be Tues., March 23 against Pleasant Home.

The Andalusia junior varsity softball team will compete in the 2010 Enterprise Classic tournament this weekend.

Straughn’s varsity girls will also be playing in the Enterprise tournament, starting with Rehobeth Friday night at 5 and then will play Opp at 6:30 in pool play.