By Stephen Henderson
The Patrick County High School Lady Cougar softball team started last week off with an 11-0 win in five innings over Christiansburg at home Monday afternoon.
The Lady Cougars jumped off to a big lead in the first inning when 10 batters went to the plate and scored six runs. Savannah Moorefield, Melanie Roberson, Morgan Biggs and Sydney Biggs all hit singles while Zoe Hutchens and Melissa Pendleton each had a double.
The Lady Cougars scored three more runs in the second inning before “quieting down the bats.”
In the bottom of the fourth, Zoe Hutchens reached first on a single to the outfield; Abby Hutchens pounded one over the left field fence for two runs, giving PC an 11-0 lead.
That was it for the offense due to the mercy rule.
Cassidy Largen started on the mound, pitching three innings, facing 10 batters and striking out four. She had no runs, one hit and no walks.
Josie Pendleton came in for two innings and struck out one, had three walks, two hits and no runs scored.
The Lady Cougars did an excellent job defending the Lady Blue Demons as they tried to score in the fifth inning. With bases loaded and one out, the Lady Cougars were able to turn a double play and end the inning.
“We were very proud of how strong they came out in the first inning and getting six runs across,” said Coach Roger Wilson. “With both of our games being canceled due to weather last week, this was our first game. It’s good to get that first game out of the way and start getting the nerves in check,” he added.
“The pitchers threw great today, and we couldn’t have asked any more from them,” Wilson said. “I like seeing both of them do their job for the team,” he added.
“Our defense was very solid for us tonight, and that showed in the final inning. “I’m proud of their communication to be able to get that done tonight,” he said.
Wednesday, the Lady Cougars hosted the Halifax Lady Comets and won 2-0.
The first run of the night came in the second inning with a solo homer from Zoe Hutchens. The other run came when Savannah Moorefield scored on a RBI double from Melanie Roberson.
Moorefield and Roberson each went 2-3 on the night.
Cassidy Largen was almost perfect in the circle Wednesday night. She threw the complete seven inning game, facing 22 batters and allowed only two batters to reach base. The first reached by error and the next reached by a fielder’s choice. Largen had five strikeouts, no walks and no runs in the shut out.
“This game wraps up our first week of play, and I’m glad we got a win,” Wilson said. “We still have some things we need to work on offensively, but overall, we are pleased with their performance,” he added.
“Cassidy had a great game tonight. She was hitting her spots and keeping the batters off balance. Overall, it was a great game and a good team effort,” Wilson said.
This week the Lady Cougars traveled to George Washington of Danville Tuesday. They will host Floyd today (Wednesday) and travel to Tunstall Friday afternoon.
