Cox’s Arm, Bat Pace Quartz Hill in Final

Jodie Cox allowed two hits, struck out 10 and hit an inside-the-park home run to lead Quartz Hill High’s softball team to a 5-0 victory over Golden League rival Highland in the championship game of the High Desert Classic on Monday night at Lancaster City Park.

It was the fourth consecutive shutout for Cox (9-2), a junior left-hander who was selected the tournament’s most valuable player. She has pitched all but one of the Rebels’ games this season.

“[Cox] is instrumental to our winning,” Coach Ben Meyer said. “We’re in every game with her [pitching].”

Quartz Hill, ranked No. 10 in the region by The Times, shut out Louisville, Arcadia and Apple Valley on its way to the final. The Rebels avenged a 3-1 loss to Highland (10-2), ranked No. 3 by The Times, in the semifinals of the Hart tournament on March 14.

The Rebels (10-2-1) took a 1-0 lead when all-tournament selection Olaya Salazar doubled to score Kellie Cox in the third inning.

“That run was huge,” Jodie Cox said. “After that, I just settled down and concentrated on throwing strikes.”

Quartz Hill chased starter Kelly Presten (5-2) in the fourth inning after a double by Andrea Cabriales drove home Sara Moore and designated hitter Jamie Booth scored from third on a wild pitch. Kellie Cox capped the rally with a run-scoring single to give the Rebels a 4-0 lead.