Cave Spring pitcher Abby Weaver pitched a one-hitter, striking out 13, as the Knights defeated Lord Botetourt in the Region 3D softball semi-final last week. LB dropped a 6-0 decision at Tunstall High School.
The loss eliminated Botetourt from post-season play just one win away from a spot in the state tournament. It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Cavaliers, who had not only beaten Cave Spring twice during the regular season, but had been eliminated by the Knights at the same point last spring.
“We had a great season but it really stings how it ended,” said River coach Cheryl Shockley. “They ended our season last year and we were really anxious to get some revenge. I didn’t have to remind them of what happened last year.”
As it turned out, revenge will have to wait until next year as Weaver pitched a strong game to put the Knights in this week’s state tournament. LB’s only hit was a single in the second inning by Kenleigh Gunter. Botetourt only advanced one runner to third, when Hailey Deter walked, stole second and moved to third on a throwing error in the fourth. However, Deter was left hanging on the vine.
“She (Weaver) threw well, and they came out on fire,” said Shockley.
Meredith Wells pitched for LB and pitched well enough to win most games, allowing just three earned runs.
“We made three defensive errors and that’s not like us,” said Shockley.
The loss ended LB’s season at 19-5, and the Cavs should be strong again next year as they lose just one senior, Kayla Rosenberger. She didn’t play a lot was a valuable member of the team, nonetheless.
“She was a great teammate and one of the leaders of this team,” said Shockley. “We’ll miss her next year.”
