DIXFIELD – Sophomore Alexii Smith pitched a one-hit complete game and Jay’s offense took advantage of the situation in a 13-1 softball triumph against Dirigo at Marble Park on Wednesday afternoon.

The contest was shortened to five innings after the 12-run mercy rule was implemented.

Jay (9-2) started out strong and refused to let up by scoring 10 runs in the first three innings. Every player in the batting order had at least one hit or scored a run, including Brittany DiPompo and Emily Boivin, who each had two hits and scored twice.

“I feel relieved,” Smith said. “This team is successful when it works together and there’s no mistakes. The (combination) of good pitching and good defense really helps.”

The Tigers were coming off a 3-2 extra-inning loss to Hall-Dale, so a strong performance was exactly what they needed. Jay, ranked third, hosts top-ranked Georges Valley on Friday.

Dirigo freshman Alyssa Wade led off the bottom of the first with a solid single and scored on Smith’s throwing error. Smith retired nine straight batters before Nikki Berry reached in the fourth on another error. Katrina Pulk flied out, but Angela Knox and Lanette Bryant reached to load the bases. But Berry was caught in a rundown by Jay catcher LeBlanc for the third out.

Dirigo (4-7) continued in a free fall after losing six of seven games. The lone win was 6-2 at Mountain Valley, but the Cougars’ woes were self-induced with seven errors against Jay.

“We dug ourselves in to a hole early,” Dirigo coach Clint Dolloff said. “What I can’t understand is how we can play really good at times and things can go bad on the next one. We did make contact and hit the ball, but it was right at the Jay fielders.”

Jay sealed the deal after erupting for four hits and four runs in the third to take a 10-1 lead. Amanda White had singled and was forced out while trying to advance, but Dirigo starting pitcher Kayla Chiasson was unable to record the third out. Daydra Loon, DiPompo and Boivin each hit RBI-singles Netta Shank, Beth Moore, Smith and Loon each scored two runs in the game.

“The kids were aggressive and that’s what we want,” Jay coach Robin Roberts said. “Especially on the base path. We teach them to take a second base and don’t stop. They need to get on base and make things happen. It becomes contagious.”

Dirigo received a spark by turning a rare double play after center fielder Brooke Kersey caught a fly ball. Morgan Hutchins and Berry executed a rundown and freshman catcher Alyssa Charity picked off a runner at third base

“We still should make the playoffs,” coach Dolloff said. “We have done well against some teams and hopefully we’ll be able to turn things around and limit the mistakes.”