Photo by Leigh Downey
The James River softball team collected 14 hits and took advantage of four untimely Glenvar errors in racing to a 17-7, five-inning victory in Springwood on May 5. It was “Senior Night” in Springwood and all five seniors contributed to the win.
“I’m so proud of our five seniors,” said River coach Steve Austin. “They all had good games tonight, but beyond that they are all great kids who have their futures planned and know what they want to do. They are good players and fierce competitors on the field and they will be very productive citizens in their adult lives.”
Among the seniors, Caitlyn Downey had two doubles, a triple, a walk, four runs scored, three RBIs, and a stolen base. Ella Hutchens had two hits and two RBIs; Sydnee Breeding had a hit, a sacrifice fly, and two RBIs; Keira Crawford had a hit, three runs scored, and two stolen bases; and, lastly, pitcher Makenna Saville started the game and threw three and two-thirds innings to gain her eighth win of the season. Saville struck out two, walked one, and scattered nine hits.
Among the underclassmen, freshman Laken Robinson had three hits, a walk and three RBIs. Kaylee Harlow collected two hits and scored two runs.
“Glenvar had just come out of two close losses, to Floyd County and Carroll County, respectively,” said Austin. “They are in a rebuilding year, but they have a ball club that can hit and they don’t quit. They have definitely improved during the year.”
With the win River improved to 12-3 overall and 7-1 in the Three Rivers District. After a week off the Knights were scheduled to return to action Tuesday with a big home game against Floyd County. The Buffaloes had lost just two district games to that point, one to James River and one to Patrick County.
The Knights go to Patrick County Friday, so this is a big week for softball in the Three Rivers District.
