A pair of Harrison County teams claimed their right to represent at the state softball tournament coming up in South Charleston later this month into early June. Lincoln and Robert C. Byrd both took care of business, but in different ways last week, to keep their dream of a state championship alive.
The Cougars did it in dominating fashion, much like they have all season long, and the clinching win on Friday was no exception. Lincoln put the hammer down on Moorefield with a decisive eight to nothing win in Shinnston.
Adrianna Elder tossed a three-hitter with seven strikeouts. She also helped her own cause with a home run. Sadie Jones was two for four with a home run and a pair of runs batted in. Brogan Sampson was two for three with a home run and three RBIs.
It was the third win of the week for the Cougars, all coming at home and when combined (one over Braxton County and two against Moorefield) head Coach Yancey Weaver’s squad outscored their opponents 40 to one. The tone was set on Monday when the Cougars bombed Braxton County 27 to nothing.
Elder went four for four with seven runs batted in and four runs scored. Aspen Dyer was three for three with a home run, four RBIs and three runs scored. Kennedy Linville was three of four with four RBIs and three runs scored. Addison Moore was three for five with an RBI and three runs scored. Haleigh Gump was three for three with four runs scored and picked up the win in the circle.
The middle game was the first lock-up with Moorefield. Elder was in the circle and her teammates provided solid run production. The Cougars took a four to nothing lead after three innings and that would be all Elder would need. Elder would go the distance, allowing just one run. Sampson and Kerstyn Leggett were the only multi-hit performers for Lincoln. Sampson was two for two with an RBI and a run scored while Leggett was two for three.
The Cougars head into the state tournament with a 21 and five record.
The Flying Eagles opened up tournament play with a 26 to nothing victory over hampshire on Monday. Robert C. Byrd had five doubles, one of which came from Lexi Hardy. Hardy, the lone multi-hit performer, was two for three with two RBIs and a pair of runs scored.
The next two wins came against Lewis County and both were dramatic comebacks by the Flying Eagles. Playing back-to-back nights didn’t faze RCB. On the road in Weston, the Eagles scored seven runs in the seventh inning to garner a 12 to nine win. Amirah Moore was three for four with three runs scored. Chloe Barlow was two for five and picked up the victory.
The two teams met again in Weston on Friday evening with Lewis County leading by seven in the fifth inning. RCB would plate 10 runs in the last two innings en route to a 17 to 14 win and a state tournament berth.
Torrin Strawderman paced RCB, going four for five with four RBIs and two runs scored. Barlow was three for five with a pair of RBIs. The Flying Eagles compete in Class AAA, which starts June 2nd. The Cougars battle in Class AA and that play begins May 27.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!