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The Rockbridge County High School softball lost all three of its games last week, falling to Valley District rivals Turner Ashby and Broadway and coming up short against James River in nondistrict action.
With the setbacks, the Wildcats’ losing streak extended to 10 games. On Monday of last week, the Wildcats (5-13 overall, 1-6 district) suffered a 7-3 road loss to James River in Buchanan.
With the win, the Knights completed a sweep of the season series with RC. When the two teams met on April 27 in Lexington, JR won 11-1.
In the rematch, the Wildcats were dealing with a lot of emotions, a day after the death of RC senior Devin Riley, who was killed in a single-vehicle crash near Fairfield.
RC head coach Keston Pelter was pleased that her team played well against a strong JR squad that would end the week with an overall record of 17-1.
“This game was probably one of the best ones we’ve played this season,” said Pelter. “Given the circumstances of the day and the emotional state of the girls, they went and had fun. They played well in the field and hit the ball.”
RC freshman pitcher Sadie Moore had a strong outing on the mound, striking out six.
Kaydence Wilson led the Wildcats with two hits.
TA 12, RC 0
The Wildcats suffered a 12-0 home loss to Valley District leader Turner Ashby, which ended the week at 20-0 overall and 8-0 in the district.
With the victory, the Knights completed a sweep of the series with RC. When the teams met on April 21 in Lexington, TA won 11-1.
In the rematch, TA racked up 16 hits, while RC was held to five. Leading the Knights with three hits each were Reaghan Warner, Kaydence Wilson and Lily Moyers. Lilly Purcell paced the Wildcats with two hits, and Wilson, Keslie Caldwell and Parker Dameron each recorded one hit.
The Wildcats committed eight errors, while TA had none. On the mound, Moore pitched a complete game for RC, striking out four and allowing 16 hits, three walks and 12 runs (nine earned).
Pelter said Moore “continues to improve each game, working hard defensively for us. We still continue to work to make the routine plays to back her up in the field.”
Broadway 8, RC 4
The Wildcats lost 8-4 on Friday at Broadway to conclude a busy week.
When the teams met on April 25 in Lexington, the Gobblers won 10-0. With a 3-1 win at Spotswood on Saturday, Broadway ended the week at 15-5 overall and 6-2 in the district.
In the rematch, the Wildcats took a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Moore stole home, but Broadway answered back.
Marla Zollman led RC with three hits, and Cameron Terry had a triple in the top of the seventh.
Pelter said the Wildcats “were not as disciplined at the plate this game, but I’m proud of them. It was a 180-degree difference in game play from when we played them at home.”
