New Kent 1 Bruton 0 (softball)

After tossing a perfect game the day before against Jamestown, Becca Mills fired a one-hitter at Bruton’s visiting Panthers as New Kent’s Lady Trojans solidified their hold on the top spot in the Bay Rivers District softball standings with a 1-0 triumph.

Last Wednesday’s victory marked New Kent’s 11th in a row after a 5-3 start and became the ninth shutout during the ongoing run. Now 16-3, the Lady Trojans are on track for the top seeded spot in this week’s district tournament at York.

“It’s ours to lose,” Lady Trojan coach Betsey Lane said, looking ahead to the district event. “But as long as Becca pitches the ball and lets the defense work behind her, we’ll be fine.”

Aside from the one hit, only two other Bruton batters reached base, both on errors. Mills, meanwhile, struck out five.

The hosts got the only run they needed in the bottom of the first inning after leadoff hitter Tyler Fleming drew a walk from Panther hurler Miranda Clarke. Maria Bates’ sacrifice moved Fleming to second from where she scored on Ashley McMichael’s single to center.

New Kent moved runners into scoring position following leadoff hits in both the second and fourth innings, but could not register insurance runs off Clarke who scattered five hits, but only struck out three.