Woodgrove wins Virginia 4A softball title in a pitchers’ duel with Freedom-South Riding – Washington Post

SALEM, Va. Camryn Dolby picked her high spots and worked through a lineup determined to bunt and run. Her counterpart Cheyenne Van Pelt responded with a left-handed screwball that twisted away from bats.

The all-Loudoun Virginia 4A softball final between Woodgrove and Freedom-South Riding was a pitchers duel. After the heart of their lineup safely loaded the bases by mere inches, the Wolverines pushed home a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth. Then Dolby struck out the final three batters as Woodgrove won 2-0 at the Moyer Complex.

In their seventh straight state final, the Wolverines repeated as champions for the first time.

Everyone talked about how its inevitable that we were going to lose on odd years, senior Lexi Acton said. It was our goal to break the curse and be the seniors who did it.

Acton started Woodgroves final rally with a soft pop up that dropped out of the air between a retreating shortstop and charging center fielder. Next up, senior Emily Alexander directed a moving bunt down the first base line and sprinted safely to first.

I was bunting for a hit, the senior insisted.

After Dolby laid down a bunt and Acton beat the fielders choice throw to third, senior Jenna Dunn knocked a groundball to second base to score the games first run.

I wasnt trying to hit the fence or anything, just keep the ball on the ground, Dunn said.So happy I didnt avoided a pop out.

In Fridays semifinal, Van Pelt had ended the game with three strikeouts after the tying run reached second base.

Even after they loaded the bases, I still thought we could get three outs, Van Pelt said.I have all the confidence in my team.

Sophomore Maxine Barnes added an RBI single to score Alexander, but Dolby didnt need the insurance run, as she ended the game with her 15th strikeout. Sophomore Camryn Munroe produced Freedom-South Ridings lone hit on bunt that landed between the pitchers circle and second base in the second inning.

Woodgrove (24-0) cruised to last years title with a pair of double-digit wins in the state tournament. This time around, the Wolverines appreciated the challenge.

Last year we knew we were going to win in the first inning, Acton said.Today was so close with two great pitchers. Its more exciting to finish it off with a game like this.

Freedom South Riding (16-9) had never reached a softball state final. Van Pelt struck out six batters in her final game for the Eagles.

Before the season started, wed be in the weight room and coach would tell us were going to regionals at least, and wed laugh and say no way, Van Pelt said.Its still a great accomplishment that we even made it here.

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Woodgrove wins Virginia 4A softball title in a pitchers' duel with Freedom-South Riding - Washington Post