Despite its struggling defense and lack of communication early in the contest, the Window Rock Lady Scouts turned around its effort to post an 11-9 victory over the Chinle Lady Wildcats in the first game of a 3A North Region doubleheader.

The Lady Scouts were motivated and came out strong, playing team work to complete the doubleheader sweep, 14-4, in a shortened five innings, due to the 10-run rule, over the Lady Wildcats.

With its doubleheader sweep, Window Rock improved to 13-3 overall, more importantly an unblemished 2-0 mark. The Lady Scouts travel to Burnside Junction on Friday, to face the Ganado Lady Hornets, 6-3 overall, 0-0 region, in a twinbill at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Chinle dropped to 2-9 overall and the Lady Wildcats are winless at 0-2 in 3A North Region play. Chinle faces St. Johns, 9-5 overall, Thursday for a freedom game at 2 p.m.. The Lady Wildcats continue 3A North Region play on Saturday, taking on the Monument Valley Lady Mustangs, 5-3 overall, 1-2 in region play, in a doubleheader in Kayenta at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

"Our defense struggled in the first game," said Window Rock head coach Cynthia Smiley. "(There was) no communication. (The girls were) slow to move, but we had to turn that around and play together."

Junior righthanded winning pitcher Rachael Smiley allowed nine runs and struckout seven batters.

Rachael Smiley helped herself at the plate. Smiley swatted a triple and had a single, driving in two runs. Halaya Shirley had a pair of RBI. She had three hits, including two singles and a two-bagger. Alonna Lee had a pair of singles.

Cynthia Smiley said the Lady Scouts played well in the second game.

"(In the second game, the girls were) back in action and game mode," Smiley said. "(The girls) were back in action and game mode. Motivation and team work is our key."

Alexis Tsosie-Hood was the winning pitcher in the second game. Tsosie-Hood allowed four runs. She fanned six batters and issued two walks.

Rachael Smiley drove in three runs. She had three two-baggers.