By Brian Hoffman
Staunton River, who was 7-0 in district softball coming into the week, will be in Daleville Friday for a big Blue Ridge District showdown with the Cavaliers. Lord Botetourt is 6-2 in the district after dropping an extra inning game to Northside last week at home, 2-1.
“Our game against Northside was a true pitcher’s duel until the end,” said LB coach Megan Dehart. “We fell short despite out-hitting the Vikings seven to three.”
Rhyann Jones was the tough luck loser for the Cavaliers, holding Northside to three hits while striking out 16. The Cavaliers committed no errors in the loss while Mikayla Reed led the offense with two hits.
“I would be dishonest if I said this game wasn’t frustrating,” said Dehart. “We knew what to expect going in as far as what pitches we would see, but ultimately we just couldn’t get the timely hitting that was needed to score runs. We left too many on base.
The Cavaliers bounced back a day later by taking out their frustrations on visiting Salem, winning 11-0 in five innings. Jones pitched a one-hitter in the win.
On Monday at home LB shut out visiting Cave Spring, 4-0. Jackson Kemper, Reed and Jones each managed multiple hits and LB had 14 putouts by the defense and zero errors.
“I am just so stinking proud of this team,” said Dehart. “This was overall our best game this season, in my opinion. We love it and can’t wait to keep going. We are loving every second.”
The Cavaliers are now 12-3 on the season pending a Tuesday game with Franklin County. The district tournament is scheduled for next week.
