The Pinecrest softball team took a step toward improving its state playoff prospects behind the strong arm and big bat of Keely Robinson, Tuesday evening.

The freshman pitched a five-hitter and tripled home three runs as the Patriots defeated Hoke County 5-3 in Raeford. Sitting solidly in fourth place at 5-5 in the Mid-Southeastern Conference, the Pats take on third-place Jack Britt at home on Friday night.

Pinecrest went up to bat in the top of the seventh, clinging to a 1-0 lead. The run was scored by Felicia Wood, who singled and later scored on a throwing error by one of the Bucks.

Lindsay Parkin reached base to start the seventh on an error by the Hoke right fielder. Two more runners were aboard when Robinson cleared the bases with a triple. She completed the circuit after the home team committed a throwing error, making it 5-0.

Hoke (3-6, 4-8) scored three times in the bottom of the seventh, but Robinson held on to finish the game with six strikeouts and no bases on balls. Alexis Gibson and Wood had two hits apiece for the winners.

The Patriots take a 7-11 overall record into Friday's game against Britt (7-3, 10-5). The 6 p.m. home game is also important because it will be Youth Night, Senior Night and Kay Yow Memorial Fund Night. There is also the possibility that some local dignitaries will attend the contest.

Any youth that plays recreation or traveling ball, and comes to the game wearing their uniform jersey, will be admitted for free. All the money the team makes from T-shirt sales, the concession stand and donations will go to the Kay Yow Memorial Cancer Fund. Spectators are encouraged to come to the game wearing pink in support of the Patriots and the fundraising effort.