PRINCE GEORGE -- Thomas Dale scored four runs in the first two innings and held on to defeat Prince George 4-1 yesterday.

Logan Tollison was hit by a pitch, then scrambled home on a passed ball to give Thomas Dale a one-run lead in the first inning.

"I was like, 'Good, we finally got a run in front of them,'" Tollison said. "I just knew we had to go . . . That ball didn't even go to the fence. It was right behind her. I was kind of going and I was like, 'Oh, gosh -- Gotta get down!'"

"Good thing you've got those wheels," freshman pitcher Lacey Waldrop added, laughing. When the two teams met earlier this year, Waldrop scored the only run after being hit by a pitch and stealing a base.

Austin Shornak and Tollison combined for three RBI in the second inning, then Waldrop closed out the win.

In the fourth inning, Royals shortstop Caitlen Manning stole home on a passed ball. Prince George got the tying run to the plate with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but Waldrop closed the game with her 11th strikeout.

Royals sophomore Lauren Vinson also had 11 strikeouts in the loss.

If Thomas Dale wins one game in today's doubleheader with Hopewell, it clinches the regular season Central District championship. That would be the first time in seven years that Prince George hasn't claimed the title.

"We're used to winning district championships," Royals coach Pat Waguespack said. "We've had a long reign -- years have gone by. . . . It doesn't feel good to possibly give up the title, but they earned it. They played better than we did.

"But I'm not going to count our girls out. We're going to look to [the district and region tournaments]."

The Knights also have something to prove in the upcoming tournaments. Thomas Dale is the only undefeated team in the Central Region, but has doubters for not having played area powers like defending regional champion Hanover. Coach Dennis Jones said his team is looking forward to the postseason as a chance at finally earning a little well-deserved respect.

"16-0, no matter what district you're in, that's a feat," he said.

Thomas Dale ------------------------- 130 000 0 -- 4 3 1
Prince George ------------------------- 000 100 0 -- 1 2 3

Waldrop and Tuck; Vinson and Lowe.

Records: Thomas Dale 12-0 Central, 16-0; Prince George 11-2, 14-3