Lady Trojans Blast NCOE for Softball Regional Title
Bruce Marsan, Marion Daily Republican
The Crab Orchard Lady Trojans scored in four of five innings, including four runs in the decisive second frame on the way to an 11-1 win over Norris City Saturday.
The victory gave Crab Orchard its first regional title ever, and improved the Lady Trojans record to 25-5.
"It feels good to get the monkey off our backs," said Crab Orchard coach Vernon Williams of winning a regional title. "We're hitting the ball well now and we are limiting our errors."
The Lady Trojans took the lead for good in the bottom of the first inning. Lacey Newbold blasted a solo home left-center field and the top seed was on its way.
Crab Orchard added four runs in the bottom of the second, sending 11 batters to the plate. Brendee Killen reached on a throwing error to start the inning. Courtesy runner Miriah Swafford then stole second. Summer Galloway sigled to move Swafford to third.
Galloway stole second and Hannah Brush stroked a single to right to plate Swafford. After Andrea Whitehead lined out to short, Miranda Jones struck out.
But Courtney Arnold re-ignited the rally with a two-run double to left-center. And intentional pass to Newbold loaded the bases, and Taylor Ray also worked a free pass to push home Galloway with the fourth run of the inning.
The Lady Trojans added a single run in the fourth with two outs. Arnold walked, stole second and scored on a double by Newbold.
Crab Orchard ended the game via the mercy rule with a five-run fifth. After giving up an unearned run in the top of the frame, the Lady Trojans sent eight batters to the plate before ending the game. Arnold's two-run single was the big blow, and the game ended when Newbold scored on a wild pitch.
"Our defense is getting better," Williams said. "We only had one error today."
Crab Orchard plays now in the Cobden Class 1A sectional against GEC rival Hardin County Thursday at 4:30 p.m. The Lady Trojans defeated the Lady Cougars twice in the regular season, 18-3 and 16-5.
