Photo by Leigh Downey
It’s too early to declare a favorite in Three Rivers District softball but if you ask the girls from James River they’ll likely tell you it’s Alleghany. The Knights played a home-and-home series with the Cougars last week and got swept, falling 10-1 in Low Moor and 18-2 in Springwood.
“Alleghany is a really good softball team,” said River coach Steve Austin. “They have multiple experienced pitchers, they play good defense and they hit with authority in spots one through nine.”
On Thursday of last week the Knights were at Alleghany and Cougar pitcher Emma Skidmore pitched four hitless innings, striking out seven and walking one. James River scratched out four hits, getting on the board in the sixth inning. Sydnee Breeding singled and stole second base. With two outs, Breeding scored from second on an infield hit by Ella Hutchens.
James River fell to 5-2, 0-2, with the loss. Alleghany improved to 5-3, 1-0, with the win.
“It was a tough day for us,” said Austin. “We left a lot plays on the field that elevated the score but we never could compete offensively, frankly.”
A day later, on Friday, the two teams played again in Springwood and the Cougars put on a hitting clinic in routing the Knights for the second straight day, 18-2, in five innings. The Cougars struck for five first-inning runs on six hits, including three doubles and a Laken Cantrell two-run homer.
Addyson Neff pitched a five-inning complete game, allowing four hits with five strikeouts and three walks. Cloey Joynes had and RBI single for James River. Caitlyn Downey, Breeding, and Ella Hutchens had singles for the Knights.
With the loss River fell to 5-3 overall and 0-3 in the district, with two of the Three Rivers losses to Alleghany. The Cougars improved to 6-3 and 2-0 in the district after sweeping the Knights.
“We took some bad tasting medicine the last two days, but we can feel better starting next week,” said Austin. “There’s a lot of opportunity for us the rest of the season.”
The Knights were scheduled to play at home against Patrick County on Tuesday, followed by a trip to Roanoke to take on Patrick Henry Thursday. Next Monday they’re at the Greenfield Recreation Complex to take on Lord Botetourt in a 7 p.m. game. Next Tuesday they’re at Floyd County to resume their district schedule.
