FINCASTLE – The James River girls made Kasey Phillips a winner in her first game as head softball coach as the Knights took a 6-0 win over Staunton River in Moneta Monday.
Jessica Simmons pitched through some wildness to toss a one-hitter for the Knights. She struck out 15, walked four and hit one batter in the win.
The Knights banged out eleven hits and did not commit a single error in the opening day victory.
“The girls really hit the ball well – 11 hits in 33 at bats with only 1 strike out,” said Phillips, who was coaching her first game after succeeding long-time coach John Shotwell.
Casie Hill led the Knights with a four-for-four day at the plate, including a bunt for a hit and an infield hit. Hill also scored two runs.
Jenna Sprinkle went two-for-four with a double and an RBI and Madison Rhodes had a two RBI single. Haily Cook, Conner Sprinkle, and Sarah Huff had one hit each and Alexis Breeding plated Cook with the game’s first run on a perfectly executed squeeze bunt.
“For an opening game, I couldn’t be more happy with how we played,” said Phillips “The girls are working really hard right now and we’ve got some great leadership. We were very solid and executed well. Staunton River was a well coached, competitive team.”
The Knights are back home Thursday to play host to Lord Botetourt. On Saturday they play at Glenvar at noon.
