The Kenai softball team defeated Houston 17-9 in five innings Thursday at Steve Shearer Memorial Ball Park in Northern Lights Conference play.

The Kardinals move to 2-5 in the Northern Lights Conference and 2-7 overall.

Savannah Jones got the victory for Kenai, striking out six.

Houston got off to a good start in the game, carrying a 9-8 lead lead into the bottom of the fourth inning. But Kenai took control of the game by scoring nine runs in the fourth inning.

Jones helped her own cause by going 4 for 4 with a double. Alyssa Stanton had two hits, two runs and a walk; Kiera Duby had three runs, a double and a hit; Zaharah Wilshusen had two hits; and Kaylee Lauritsen had two walks, a hit and three runs.

Leinani Rapoza had an RBI single before leaving with an illness. Neirad Phillips came in and went 2 for 2 with two runs.

Kenai coach John Manley said on defense, Rapoza had a number of good plays, while Duby also made a nice play at third. Manley added that Lexy Carrasco made nice plays at shortstop. Also, Wilshusen came in from the outfield to play second after the Rapoza left with an illness and did a good job.

“Houston is getting better,” Manley said. “This is the second time we played them and they’re much better than last year.”