PORTSMOUTH — It was a big start to a big start.

The Green Lady Bobcats had an outstanding opener as they beat the talented Portsmouth Clay Lady Panthers 3-0 Thursday in a Southern Ohio Conference game behind the pitching of Ali Thompson.

“That was a big game and to start out with them,” said Green coach Dale Royse. “Ali said she didn’t have her best stuff, but defensively we played pretty well. Bre Johnson made a nice catch in the outfield.

“Runyon did a nice job at second base. She covers a lot of ground.”

Green got a run in the first inning when Cassie Skaggs singled, Abbey Barrett walked and Tiffany Stoneking had an RBI single.

The Lady Bobcats added two runs in the third inning.

Skaggs was safe on an error and Barrett doubled her home. Destiny Skaggs followed with a run-scoring single.

Green hosts New Boston on Friday.

Green 102 000 0 = 3 6 1

Clay 000 000 0 = 0 4 2

Ali Thompson and Abbey Barrett. Kami Groves and Dani Summers. W-Thompson (11-K, 4-BB). L-Groves (9-K, 2-BB). 2B-Green: Abbey Barrett; Clay: Osborne. Hitting-Green: Ali Thompson 1-4, Cassie Skaggs 1-4, Abbey Barrett 1-3, Tiffany Stoneking 1-4, Destiny Skaggs 1-4, Breanna Johnson 1-3; Clay: Castle 1-4, Groves 1-3, Osborne 2-3.