One defensive mistake was all Shelbyville softball needed Tuesday to close out its Hoosier Heritage Conference schedule with a 1-0 victory over Class 4A, No. 16 Mt. Vernon (12-3, 4-2 HHC).

Karissa Hamilton laced a hit to right field in the fourth inning that got past the Mt. Vernon outfielder. The junior never hesitated in racing for third base and when the relay throw was errant, Hamilton chugged on home for the game’s only run.

Cheyenne Eads and Mt. Vernon’s Maddison Taylor hooked up in a pitching duel Tuesday as the two combined for 26 strikeouts while allowing just five hits.

Eads had a career-high 16 strikeouts while surrendering two hits and three walks to push the Class 4A, No. 7-ranked Golden Bears to 17-2 this season (6-1 HHC).

Taylor was equally impressive in keeping the high-scoring Golden Bears in check over six innings.

Shelbyville is scheduled to play at Hamilton Heights (1-9) Thursday before hosting Triton Central (6-7) Friday.