East Central Community College’s softball team successfully began first-round competition in the 2010 NJCAA Division II National Softball Championship in Normal, Illinois, by posting a 7-0 win Thursday over Mott Community College of Flint, Michigan.

The Lady Diamond Warriors, who improved to 45-9 under seventh-year head coach Scott Hill, collected 15 hits in the easy victory and hurler Taylor Bailey improved to 25-7 in recording the shut-out.

 Leading the EC offense were Summer Alexander, a product of Newton County High School, and Hannah Lee of Leake Academy, who each belted a double and single. Contributing two singles apiece were Lauren Nicholas of Neshoba Central, Morgan Malone of Madison Central and Bailey, a product of Bowie High School in Austin, Texas.  Kasie Buckley of Newton County was credited with a double, and Brittney Cochran, also of Newton County and Paige Holsen of Union had singles each. Nicholas, Alexander, Chisolm, Cochran and Holsen also had an RBI each.

Bailey allowed just five hits and fanned six batters in the seven-inning matchup.

EC was scheduled to battle Johnson County Community College (Kansas) at 4 p.m. Thursday but the second-round matchup has been rescheduled for today (Friday) at 2 p.m., weather permitting.

Sixteen teams are participating in the double-elimination event, which is scheduled to conclude Saturday, May 22.