Both batted 2-for-3, with Hilts scoring twice and Donovan driving in two runs. Freshman pitcher Ali Then earned the win, improving the Falcons to 3-3 on the season and 2-2 in the Tri Nine conference.

Cary (0-6) scored first but Green Hope posted three runs in the fourth inning to seize control.

Lauren Clifford singled and Hilts drove her in with a deep triple to tie the score 1-1.

Then with two outs Jessi Beech singled in Hilts and Dana Pippin followed with a double to drive in Beech.

"At first we struggled, but in the fourth we adjusted to [Cary pitcher Morgen Yarasheski] and started hitting the ball well," Green Hope coach Michelle Then said. "Honestly it was just a great team effort."

The Imps could have jumped out to a bigger lead on the Falcons in the bottom of the third.

But they were limited to the lone run.

Cary catcher Claire Ruddiman (2-for-3) and first baseman Elisa DeCarolis were in scoring position when Casey Brawn nailed a grounder down the third base line with just one out.

Unfortunately for the Imps, the ball apparently made contact with Ruddiman while she was in fair territory, and the umpire called her out.

DeCarolis did score when Kaitlyn Checkan drilled a single to left field. But Donovan prevented more Cary runs when she made a diving catch in right field on a nicely hit ball by Katie Long, ending the best Cary threat of the night.

"We always start off very strong but when we make some mental errors things can start to go downhill," said Cary coach Heather Abruzzino. "I'm pleased with how Morgen played, she always leads by example."

Abruzzino was referring to Green Hope's efforts in the fifth and sixth innings, when the Falcons tallied five runs in part due to four Cary errors.

Donovan drove in Nicole Maltrotti and Tyler Then with a nice single during the sixth to conclude the scoring.

Ali Then struck out four Cary batters and looked to be in good control from the fourth inning on, as no Imp even reached second base.

Green Hope catcher Lexi Ross was partly responsible, throwing out two Cary runners attempting to steal second.