The Natchitoches Central softball team is all alone in first place after four games in District 1-5A, trying to defend the district championship under new coach Jeramie Hale.

The Lady Chiefs beat the other league leader, Haughton, 7-4 on Thursday at NCHS, dropping the visitors to 3-1 in the loop. Skylar Braxton’s three-run homer provided the winning margin.

Natchitoches Central got on the board in its first at-bat after an error scored two runs, and Mallory Lacour grounded out, scoring another.

Sydney Terrell’s sacrifice fly extended the Lady Chiefs lead to 4-0 in the second inning.

Braxton homered to left field in the fifth to provide the winning margin.

Terrell was the winning pitcher, allowing six hits and four runs while going the distance, striking out five and walking two.

Charlee Prothro, who has family locally, started for Haughton and surrendered two hits and four runs (but just one earned) over two innings.

Breanna Hale showed the depth of the NCHS lineup, leading with two hits in three at bats from the ninth spot in the batting order.

Prothro led Haughton with two RBI from the eight spot in the Lady Bucs’ lineup.

Next up for the Lady Chiefs (9-9 overall) is a non-district rematch at state small school power Calvary Baptist Academy on Saturday. CBA took the first contest of the season.

BASEBALL: The NCHS Chiefs, owning the No. 1 spot in the LHSAA’s Division I Non-Select power rankings through 13 games, had some pitching struggles Thursday in their District 1-5A opener and fell 13-3 at Benton. The Tigers drew nine walks. The teams meet again at Chad Hargis Field Saturday at 1.