Staff photo by Mike Buhler Kennett's Laurel Scales delivers a pitch during the first game of Thursday's softball doubleheader against East Prairie at Indian Park. [Click to enlarge]

After dropping three games in eight days, the Kennett Lady Indians softball team needed to get back on the winning track.

Mission accomplished.

Playing a pair against the East Prairie Lady Eagles, the Lady Tribe got a no-hitter from Laurel Scales in a 7-0 Game 1 victory, then rolled to an 11-1 rout in the nightcap Thursday at Indian Park.

After scoring just one run total in its three losses, Thursday's offensive explosion as big.

"We've kind of been struggling at the plate," Kennett coach Laurie Vaughan said. "We took a step back and tried to re-focus our team. I think it's starting pay off. I think it's starting to show. We keep getting better each game, then by districts next week we should be on top of our game and ready to go for a district championship."

So was Scales's pitching in the opener. Scales retired the first 15 batters she faced and only a fielding error behind her to open the sixth inning kept her from a perfect game.

Scales also struck out 12 Lady Eagles in the no-no.

"Laurel had a spectacular game on the mound," said Vaughan. "She also had great defense behind her, which helps her confidence. They all just seemed to be working on all cylinders today."

Kennett's Nos. 3 through 7 hitters dominated, going 12-for-20 Thursday. Abbi Daniels and Kasey Ellis had three hits each, while Kalee Gore, Allyson Luce and Jordan Wagster were each 2-for-4.

"We've been struggling the last couple of weeks with our hitting," Vaughan said. "It's great to see that many girls start coming together hitting-wise this late coming into our districts next week. That's a positive note for us."

In the nightcap, Kennett (10-4) scored 11 runs over the final four innings to enforce the 10-run rule in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Haley Morrow turned in a strong pitching performance, allowing just three hits -- all in the first inning -- while striking out three and walking three.

"I think it was good for Haley and our team that she was able to throw well in a varsity game," said Vaughan. "She also had good defense behind her, which helps her to step on the mound and throw more confident."

Elizabeth Hively had a pair of hits in the nightcap.

The Lady Tribe plays its home finale on Monday when it hosts Sikeston.

Vaughan is hopeful that her team can keep up its hot level of play from Thursday with district play approaching.

"These two games today, the girls played with more excitement and more love for the game of softball," Vaughan said. "It was great to be a part of."