FLORENCE — Newton County’s Jada McDougle knows why she bats ninth in the order — she’s an extra lead off hitter.

Behind McDougle and Brittany Thompson, the Lady Cougars shut out Florence 4-0 in Game 1 of the second round of the MHSAA fast-pitch softball playoffs on Tuesday night.

Game 2 and if necessary Game 3 will be Thursday at 5 p.m. at Newton County.

“Jada has God-given speed, and she had two big hits for us tonight,” Newton County coach Justin Chaney said. “Brittany did pretty well and located pitches pretty well.”

Thompson (11-3) got the win on the mound for Newton County, lasting six inning while giving up one hit and three walks while striking out nine.

“She kept us in it, and when we scored the first inning, I thought it was enough, and it ended up being enough,” Chaney said. “I was nervous because Florence is a good team and didn’t know much about them. So it’s good to get a win on the road in playoffs and get to play at home Thursday.”

McDougle had two triples with a RBI to lead Newton County. Landree Amis had two RBI’s for the Lady Cougars (21-8).

Abby Smith was the losing pitcher for Florence (20-10).

“We haven’t seen that type of velocity except a couple of times,” Florence coach Vance Granberry said. “We’ll bounce back and try to go over there and win two games.