The Lincoln softball team has been on a roll as of late. Veteran mentor Yancey Weaver always seems to have his team playing its best when it matters the most and this year is no exception. This past Wednesday, Lincoln took advantage of playing in front of home fans in Shinnston and at the same time took advantage of some Lewis County miscues early in the affair.
In the bottom of the first inning a walk and a Minutemaid error opened the door and later in the inning Brogan Sampsonshut it with a three-run home run that helped the Cougars to an early four to nothing lead.
After a scoreless second inning, Lewis County would crack the scoreboard with a lone run in the top of the third, but Lincoln would triple their effort in the bottom of the frame. Big hits have been provided by Weaver’s big time hitters all season long and his squad picked up a pair from Aspen Dyer and Makiah Ford. Dyer provided an RBI triple while Ford crushed a two-run home run.
The Maids plated a solo run in the fifth inning, but Ford countered with a solo homer, her second in the lock-up, in the bottom of the inning to give the Cougars an eight to two advantage. In the sixth inning, Dyer singled in Kennedy Linville for the game-closing run. Lincoln took the 11 to three win and the sectional title that went with it, improving to 15 and eight on the campaign.
Adriana Elder went the distance in the circle for the Cougars, striking out five Lewis County batters in the process. Elder allowed just one extra base hit while her teammates banged out four from the dish, including three home runs. Dyer and Ford led the way with two hits apiece in the win for Lincoln.
Turning our attention to the next level and to Salem University.
The Tigers are the lone college in Harrison County and they made an impressive postseason run on the diamond. This past week, Salem went to DuBois, Pennsylvania to compete in the USCAA Small College World Series and they came back as champions!
The Tigers upset Penn State – Mt Alto in the final, eight to three to garner the title Kassidy Gaines is in his second season as the Head Coach of the program after spending several years as the associate head coach and pitching coordinator. Gaines will get a huge boost in recruiting following the big win for his program.
Senior Hunter Rose was named the Tournament Most Valuable Player while Jacob Hurley, Aaron Forbes, and Jose Lojo were all named to the all-tournament team. Gaines will look to bring in some new talent to fill some holes left behind as Hurley and Lojo are seniors as well.
West Virginia clinched the Big 12 title this past Thursday, even though they suffered a three to nothing loss to Kansas. It is their second Big 12 title in the past three seasons, but in actuality it is their first outright title. They had to share it the first time around. This time, they are limping into it, however, as the Mountaineers find themselves slumping at the most inopportune time.
The good news is that streaks can start as slumps can begin and with the Big 12 Tournament going on, as you read this article, the hope is that WVU can return to its winning ways and capture the Big 12 Tournament Championship
That will do it for now! Until next time . . . Take care and God Bless!!!
