Stout defense bookended with dominant offense propelled the Hays softball team (4-6) to an 8-3 victory over the Vista Ridge Rangers (6-6) Tuesday night at Hays.

Both Hays and the Lady Rangers came into the game boasting perfect records in district. In Vista Ridge’s three district games before tonight they had outscored their opponents 33-1, while the Rebels only outscored their two opponents 4-2.

After holding Vista Ridge scoreless in the first frame, the Rebels put together a two-hit, two-...