By Stephen Henderson

The Patrick County High School Lady Cougar softball team improved its record to 13-1 with two wins last week.

During Wednesday’s game at home against Tunstall, senior pitcher Cassidy Largen surpassed the strikeout record established by Kylene Culler five years ago. Largen picked up her 590th strikeout in the sixth inning of the game. The Lady Cougars won the game 3-0 over Tunstall. Friday, PC defeated Bassett 3-1 in nine innings.

In Wednesday’s game against Tunstall, Savannah Moorefield took the first pitch of the game over the center field fence to lead things off. Then the bats got pretty quiet.

Patrick County didn’t score again until the fifth inning with a lead-off single from Sydney Biggs which was followed by a single from Melissa Pendleton. Two outs later, Melanie Roberson hit a two-RBI single that scored Biggs and Pendleton.

That was all that was needed for Cassidy Largen to finish off the night. Little did she know, but in the sixth, she tied a career strikeout record of 589 set by Kaitlyn Culler several years ago. The next out would be a fly ball and inning over. Starting the sixth, Largen got the lead-off batter to fly out. After going to a full count, she threw one by the batter to get her 590th strikeout.

With her team rushing to her to congratulate her, she was completely confused. After looking in the dugout and all throughout the stands, she finally realized what had happened. She would then go ahead and strike out the next batter finishing with 14 strikeouts on the night.

Largen also threw a complete game no hitter.

After the game was over, Cassidy said, “I wasn’t sure what my teammates were doing. I was trying to tell them ‘Guys, it’s only two outs.’ But then I saw all the signs and Ks the fans were holding and I completely lost it,” she said. “This has been a goal of mine but I had no idea when or if I would get it. My family and coaches did a great job of not letting me know!” she exclaimed.

Abby Hutchens went 2-3 while Savannah Moorefield and Melanie Roberson went 1-3 on the night. Melissa Pendleton and Sydney Biggs went 1-2.

Friday night the Lady Cougars traveled to Bassett and won 3-1 in nine innings.

The Lady Cougars finally got their first run in the fourth as Hannah Hylton reached by a walk with one out. After a pop fly, Melissa Pendleton singled with two outs. Morgan Biggs then drove a RBI double to the right side scoring Hylton.

Bassett tied it in the bottom of the frame.

The next four innings went scoreless and then in the ninth lead-off batter Savannah Moorefield singled and then stole second. Melanie Roberson bounced an RBI double off the center field fence to score Moorefield. Makenzie Watts then followed with a deep fly out to left which allowed Roberson to tag and score.

“It was good to get these two district wins this week,” said Coach Roger Wilson.

“Cassidy has thrown two really good games, and I’m proud of her for her accomplishments,” he said. “She is really throwing the ball good this year and hitting her spots. She stays focused and determined while she pitches,” he added.

“Our bats have been a little quiet, but against Bassett, we hit well—just right at them,” Wilson said. “Bassett was also a good defensive game for us. When they hit, we made the plays,” he added.

Largen threw all nine innings. She struck out 12, walked two and allowed four hits.

Savannah Moorefield went 1-5 and scored one run. Melanie Roberson went 3-4 including two doubles, one RBI and one run. Makenzie Watts was 1-5 with one RBI, while Abby Hutchens went 2-5 with one RBI. Melissa Pendleton was 2-4, Morgan Biggs went 1-4 with one RBI and Hannah Hylton scored one run.

The Lady Cougars played a double header Tuesday at Magna Vista and traveled to Halifax Thursday.