Playing in its first home softball game in over a year, the Southern Wayne softball team was energized to be playing in front of its fans again.
Down 1-0 in the bottom of the first, the Saints exploded for a ten-run outburst, which led to a 20-4 victory against Eastern Wayne on Tuesday.
The Saints (1-1 overall) also bounced back from their season-opening loss against D.H. Conley.
“I think the girls did a really good job. Coming off of the D.H. Conley game, it was easy to not be as confident, no matter what team you’re facing,” Southern Wayne head coach Jamie Williams said. “They came out ready, so I think they did a great job of making adjustments and being aggressive on the bases.”
After the Saints took a 10-1 lead, the Warriors attempted to battle back in the top of the second inning.
Natalie Ham’s triple brought in two runs and cut the Saints’ lead down to 10-3. Ham later crossed home plate off a wild pitch, and the Warriors were down 10-4 heading into the bottom of the second.
However, the Saints responded with five runs in the second inning quickly built up a 15-4 advantage.
“The fact that we lost our season last year was just heartbreaking,” Williams said. “We don’t take practice hitting season or a game for granted. We’re just trying to seize every moment that we have.”
Rackley struck out three of the four batters she faced in the top of the third to keep the Warriors off the board, and in the bottom of the third, the Saints scored their final five runs before the game was called.
Allie Lane, Katie Toler, Abbey Parker and Layla Rackley combined for nine hits and ten RBIs. Jamaiya Bass and Alivia Cox each had one hit and one RBI.
The Saints return to action Thursday for a game at South Central. The Warriors entertain New Bern on Thursday.
“I want the girls to carry this into Thursday,” Williams said. “South Central is a different team, but I know we can compete with them.”
