Great pitching beats great hitting. That is the fundamental principle that most coaches live by.

If that is the case, then Moore High will be the favorite to win its second consecutive 6A fastpitch softball title. With Katie Lynn taking the mound, the Lions have one of the best hurlers in the state holding the key to a championship in her right hand.

And Lynn knows it.

"I would say if I would rate myself I am a 10," Lynn said. "I am ready to go. I am ready to get another ring."

Despite being a sophomore, Lynn has been the Lions' ace the entire season as she has racked up a 23-3 record. In the process she's struck out 131 batters and allowed 18 runs with a 0.72 ERA.

It's that type of excellence Moore will need in order to retain its crown.

"Just like any game, pitching is the key," Moore coach Robert Wakefield said. "Lynn has been in this situation before. She will be ready. She knows what it takes to win the big games."

The Lions' first big game is Thursday when they take on crosstown rival Westmoore. Lynn will more than likely get the ball and she is looking forward to getting the action started.

"I think it's something we look forward to," Lynn said. "If we stay up, we play the best we can. It motives us to do better if we are happy."

MHS (35-5) must have been happy during the regional tournament. They swept through US Grant and Del City by a combined score of 23-1. The Lions got solid production at the plate from Chelsea Garcia, Danni Dobbs, Sidney Garcia and Kennah Prestridge during the run to the regional title.

"We are looking pretty good," Lynn said. "We are coming back with more than last year. I think we can we can go all the way. Worked hard all season."

But it was Lynn who picked up two wins at regionals, including a 7-0 shutout of Del City in championship. In two games she allowed eight hits and one run and fanned nine. That was just a warm-up for what she wants to accomplish at state.

"I know how it was last year," Lynn said. "It was my first state tournament last year. Now I know what I getting into. I know what I'm doing. I know what to throw and what not to throw. Going to do the best I can. We all want to show we can take two."