AHOSKIE – Defending league and state champion Lawrence Academy got off to a good TIC start here Monday.

The Lady Warriors, who won both the Tarheel Independent Conference and the 1-A North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association state title in 2005, topped Ridgecroft School 20-2 in the conference opener for both schools.

Jessica Johnston went four innings on the mound, surrendering just two hits and striking out six as she led the Warriors to their third win of the season.

Lauren Rea and Ashley Swain led Lawrence at the plate, each checking in at 3-for-3 on the afternoon. Johnston also had three hits in a 3-for-4 performance.

Kendall Street, who returned form an ankle injury, was 2-for-2 on the day including a pair of walks. Senior Ruth Stotesbury was 2-for-3 while Jodi White, Alicia Bullock and Sarah Capehart each had a hit.

Street pitched the final inning for Lawrence, giving up two hits while striking out two.

Keli Martin, Emily Cooke, Tayler Smith and Lauren Lilley led Ridgecroft with 1-for-3 days.

The Lady Warriors are 3-2 on the year and 1-0 in the TIC while Ridgecroft is 0-1 on both ledgers.