LEWISTOWN, Mo. -- Highland head coach Paul Scifres entrusted freshman pitcher Corrine Brinkley to get the job done in a do or die situation as the Lady Cougars opened up its Class 2 state championship defense on Wednesday.

Brinkley delivered exactly what Highland needed to advance with the Lady Cougars defeating Palmyra 16-6 in the Class 2 District 5 semifinal game.

"I was just trying to throw strikes for my team," said Brinkley. "I have a great defense behind me, so I let them put the ball in play and keep it in the park. It was an amazing opportunity and I'm blessed to have it."

Brinkley finished the game with five innings with one strikeout, while allowing six walks, six hits and four earned runs.

Calyn Mathes pitched the final inning in relief to close out the game for Highland.

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