Chilton County softball coach Krisi Parrish thinks her team is more experienced and more confident than last year’s version.

The Tigers certainly played the part of an improved club Tuesday, opening their season with an 18-3, five-inning win at defending county tournament champion Thorsby.

“We just hit the ball well,” Parrish said. “I expect a lot out of them, and they know that. I’m as proud as I can be.”

CCHS wasted no time in piling up runs.

Leadoff batter Rachel Johnston reached base on a swinging bunt, then Bevin Hawkins blasted a home run, the first of her career, to center field.

April Lewis walked, and Bridget Robinson, Lauren Stewart and Kristin Nelson recorded consecutive doubles before Thorsby could record an out.

The visitors led 6-0 after the first inning and tacked on runs in the second and the third.

Chilton delivered the decisive blow with seven more runs in the fourth to take a 15-1 lead. The damage included doubles by Johnston and Hawkins.

Thorsby (1-1) finally found its offense in the bottom of the fourth when a fielder’s choice off the bat of Keri Whitman scored Heather Day.

CCHS added three more runs in the fifth, and Thorsby scored two in the bottom half of the frame.

Lindsey Parrish was the winning pitcher. She allowed three earned runs on six hits and three walks in six innings.