HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

Spring Break was more than just a relaxing time.

The Lexington and Gilbert softball teams succeeded against Palmetto State and national teams in dominant fashion.

The Lady Wildcats claimed the Chiefs Beach Blast at North Myrtle Beach High School.

The Lady Indians went 4-0 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Spring Training at Disney in Kissimmee, Fla.

Both will now enter the post-season starting Thursday with increased momentum in their quests for state championships.

Lexington High

Quite simply, the Lady Wildcats had a “Blast” in the Grand Strand.

The stats alone tell the story of their play in the 2-day, 5-game tournament.

Lexington outscored the competition 38-10, pounded out 45 hits and had 6 players send 10 home runs over the walls.

“This tournament gave us an opportunity to come together as a team and play some teams we don’t normally get to play,” Lexington head coach Laurie Epps said.

“We faced a variety of pitching which I think will benefit us in the playoffs. We were able to make adjustments and find ways to be successful.”

Not all the games were blowouts. The Lady Wildcats needed a 4-run rally in the 4th inning to edge McBee 4-3 in the opening game.

After a 6-2 victory over Clover, Lexington scored 2 runs in the Top of the 7th to defeat the host team Lady Chiefs.

The final 2 games were all Lady Wildcats as they blanked future Class 5A District 7 playoff opponent St. James 8-0 behind a 9 strikeout shutout by University of South Carolina signee Hannah Kumiyama.

Lexington also had 15 hits and homered 3 times, solo shots by Ashley Causey and Alyssa McCraw, the 1st of her career, and a 2-run homer by University of Arkansas signee Allie Light.

Light continued to yield a hot bat in the championship game rematch against McBee.

She hit 2 home runs and drove in 5 RBI in the 15-2 victory in 5 innings.

Saige Stanley had 4 RBI, including a 3-run homer, and Kumiyama had a solo shot, drove in 3 runs and scored 3 times.

Light threw just 3 innings and had 6 strikeouts for her 2nd win of the day.

Lexington opens the District 7 playoffs Thursday at home against St. James.

Should the Lady Wildcats win the district, a potential Lower State playoff match up looms May 6 at defending Class 5A champion White Knoll should both teams advance that far.

The Lady Timberwolves won both meetings against the Lady Wildcats, rallying twice from 4-run deficits. They open their title defense Thursday versus Carolina Forest at home.

“Our team is ready to face anyone in the playoffs,” Epps said. “If that’s White Knoll, then we will accept that challenge and continue to focus on playing our best softball down the stretch.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this group of young ladies for all their hard work and commitment to this team.

Gilbert High

In a trip to the Magic Kingdom, the Lady Indians had its share of magic on the diamond.

Things started in historic fashion when Gilbert defeated Lynn Classical (MA) 3-1.

Pitcher Savana Rosson struck out 14 to become the school’s all-time leader in strikeouts and accounted for all of her team’s runs with a 3-run homer.

“Savana is instrumental to this team,” head coach Sarah Minchew said. “She is an incredibly hard worker and leader and has modeled the high expectations we expect. We encourage players to leave the program better than when they were in it.

“She is absolutely making her mark.

“In terms of the record for career strikeouts, we did not even tell her she was close to breaking the record. So, it was a surprise when she achieved that honor. It has been special to watch her evolve as a pitcher the past 3 years.”

In the second game, the Lady Indians defeated Greece Arcadia (NY) 8-2. Leah Kearse went 4-4 with 3 RBI and Madison Price went 3-4 with an RBI and run scored.

A 12-strikeout, 3-RBI performance by Rosson lifted Gilbert past Whitney Young (IL) 7-3 in Game 3. The Lady Indians then closed out their undefeated stint in Kissimmee with an 11-0 shutout of University (W.Va)

Taylor Dreher went 2-3 with 3 RBI and Savana Rosson went 3-3 with 2 RBI for the Lady Indians. Amaya Kearse picked up the victory.

“I think it’s important to note that a pitcher’s success has much to do with their catcher, too,” Minchew said. “Our catcher, 8th grader Taylor Dreher, has really had an incredible year behind the plate. She gets us a lot of calls. In fact, Savana will likely surpass the single season strikeout record this year during playoffs. It has been fun to watch these two players and both their game and relationship evolve.”

Gilbert will open the Class 3A playoffs at home against the 4th place team in Region 7-3A.

Gray Collegiate Academy

BY COLE STILWELL

cole.lexchron@gmail.com

The Lady War Eagles are not to be messed with.

They just captured their 3rd consecutive region championship and will open the Class 2A playoffs at home. Since becoming eligible for the post-season, Gray Collegiate is a perfect 28-0 in region play.

A total of 7 Lady War Eagles made the all-region team, led by Region Player of the Year Brooke Tranum.

S.C. HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS

(Wednesday’s Games)

Carolina Forest at White Knoll

St. James at Lexington

(Thursday’s Games)

TBA at Airport

Andrew Jackson at Batesburg-Leesville

Dutch Fork at West Florence

Academic Magnet at Gilbert

Hannah-Pamplico at Gray Collegiate

Swansea at Waccamaw