Hillsville will be the site of the Region 3D softball tournament opener for the Lord Botetourt girls. It will be a battle of Cavaliers when LB plays at Carroll County to open the tournament Friday.
Carroll is a member of the Three Rivers District and is one of just two Class 3 teams in the seven-team district, with the other five competing in Class 2. Carroll comes in with a 16-3 record compared to 12-9 for Lord Botetourt, who plays in a district with four Class 3 schools and two Class 5.
“From what I have seen, they are a very beatable team,” said LB coach Megan Cook of Carroll County. “They have not faced as much competition as I believe we have.”
Lord Botetourt last played in the Blue Ridge District tournament semifinal last Thursday at the Botetourt Sports Complex. The Cavaliers dropped a 6-2 decision to Franklin County and their ace pitcher, Kaylee Manning.
“It honestly came down to timely hitting with runners on base and getting ahead early,” said Cook. “We weren’t able to establish a good base of power up against Kaylee Manning, who we know to be very strong in the circle. We showed tremendous fight towards the end of the game, just should have been present throughout the game.”
Autumn Russell went two-for-three at the plate for LB with an RBI. Kaden Johnson collected two hits.
Franklin County lost to Staunton River in the BRD tournament final, 15-3, and the Cavaliers could run into Staunton River in the Region 3D tournament if they can get by Carroll on Friday.
