PEDRO - Pitching and defense are the keys in softball. The Rock Hill Redwomen proved it Thursday.

Cassy Chaffins pitched a three-hitter and the defense played nearly flawless as the Redwomen nipped the Chesapeake Lady Panthers 2-1 in an Ohio Valley Conference game.

Chaffins struck out four and walked six to get the win as Rock Hill scored twice in the bottom of the sixth. Jennifer Rice suffered the loss despite pitching a four-hitter, striking out nine and walking only two.

"Cassie did a great job pitching and the defense was there to help her. They all played well as a team," Rock Hill coach Mary Harper said.

Chesapeake got its run in the top of the first.

Rice walked, Joanna Delimpo singled, and Samantha Best had a run-scoring single.

Rock Hill rallied in the sixth to score twice and take the lead for good.

Chaffins singled, stole second, and Keshia Rupp tripled home the run. Monica Bamer reached on a fielder's choice as Rupp scored.

The win was the second straight one-run victory for the Redwomen. They beat Portsmouth 11-10 last Friday.

"The kids said they like to keep me guessing," Harper said.

Rock Hill is 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the OVC. The Redwomen play at River Valley Monday and could have a possible makeup game Saturday against Coal Grove.

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Jennifer Rice and Kristyn New. Cassy Chaffins and Melissa McFann. W-Chaffins (6-W, 4-K). L-Rice (9-K, 2-W). 3B-Rock Hill: Keisha Rupp. Hitting-Chesapeake: Joanna Delimpo 2-3, Samantha Best 1-3; Rock Hill: Cassy Chaffins 2-3, Marie Bamer 1-3, Keshia Rupp 1-3.