Let’s Say Hey to Nicole

On Saturday afternoon, the Ladycats travelled down I-40/I-85 to Durham, NC to visit former Glenn star Nicole Ward and her new team at the NC School of Science and Math for a 2pm game. After making several bus laps around a most scenic and historical campus in order to find the best way to the field, the Ladycats were finally able to exit the bus and begin their ardent task of winning game number two of this very young regular season.

The Glenn team was greeted with incredible professionalism and courtesy, and were made to feel exceptionally welcome as the NCSSM athletic administration, trainers, and softball coaching staff did a superb job of making the Ladycat players and coaches as comfortable as possible within the chilly confines of their home field.

After a slow start on Friday night, Head Coach Gary Payne delivered a highly motivational pre-game speech, and after a 5 run/4 hit 1st inning, the Ladycats indicated that they were determined to keep the pressure on their opponent throughout the game.

Four more runs on four hits in the top half of the 2nd were followed by four runs on five hits in the top of the 3rd inning, and the rout was on.

After throwing up a goose egg in the 4th, Glenn came back to score three runs on three hits in the 5th and final inning as the Ladycats closed out the win, 16-0.

Pitcher Karen Foley picked up her first of many high school wins to come by scattering 4 hits over 5 innings, and a much improved Ladycat defense, highlighted by a Michaela Smith’s diving catch in right field, set the defensive tone for the game early on.

Offensive standouts were plentiful as the team put on an early season power explosion that resulted in seven extra base hits…4 doubles and 3 towering home runs.

Foley was responsible for two incredibly long home run blasts in her 3-4 afternoon that included 3 runs scored and 5 RBI.

First baseman Ashley Hurd led off the 5th inning by smoking a line shot over the left field fence to cap off a 2-3, 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI performance.

Shortstop Caitlin Parker continued her solid play in the field and at the plate by lacing three line drive hits, including a double, in her four at bats. She also scored two runs, demonstrated some exceptionally savvy base running, and had 3 RBI.

Center fielder Samantha Stilling was effective once again in the lead-off spot in the line-up by going 2-3, scoring 2 runs, and stealing 2 bases to bring her two game total to seven.

Second baseman Tracy Haynes continued her “two doubles per game” routine going 2-3, scoring 3 runs, and knocking in two runs.

Catcher Taylor Strassburg was steady behind the plate as usual and crushed a double to the fence in right centerfield in a 2-4, 3 runs scored afternoon.

Breanna Murphy and Elizabeth Toler had one hit apiece to round out the Ladycat 16-hit attack.

Many things were learned over these first two games, and many new lessons lie ahead for this young Glenn team…next week is always a big week, and the challenges must be faced with integrity, determination, and a willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team…who’s up for it?!

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