New Kent edges Tabb to claim Group 3A Region A softball title

New Kent Lady Trojans assistant softball coach Laura Bauer (left) and head coach Maria Bates (right) accepts the Group 3A Region A Championship trophy after the team’s June 17 victory over Tabb.

Robb Johnson photo

After splitting the regular season series at one game apiece, New Kent’s Lady Trojans and the visiting Tabb Lady Tigers collided one more time on June 17 with a berth to the state semifinals at stake. And as with their first two matchups, the third game came down to the wire.

But it was the hosting Lady Trojans who emerged as the Group 3A Region A champions with a 3-2 victory over their Bay Rivers District rival, setting up a home state quarterfinal game against an opponent yet to be named.

What had been a weakness for most of the year for New Kent proved to be what would lead them to victory in the Thursday afternoon contest, a fast start. Lady Trojan Haley Baker advanced to third base on an error by Tabb’s Mackenzie Sherman. After Norah Murray reached base for the home team, New Kent’s Jess Taggert blasted a ball into the outfield, resulting in two runs crossing home plate and a 2-0 advantage for the home team.

It wouldn’t be until the top of the fourth frame when Tabb would change the zero on their side of the scoreboard. Emily Angel’s pop fly was uncatchable by Murray, allowing her to reach base. Lady Tiger Emma Coldsnow hit deep to center field drove in Angel, cutting the visitors’ deficit in half (2-1).

New Kent got the run back in the bottom of the fifth inning. Murray’s blast was too hot for Sherman to field, allowing Baker to trot across the pentagon for the second time in the game and return a two-run advantage to the Lady Trojans (3-1).

Tabb had one last opportunity in the top of the seventh inning. Jamie Hammer reached base on a walk and advanced to second after stealing a base against the battery of New Kent’s Gracie Ellis and Taggert. Hannah Maltos sacrifice fly deep to right field allowed Hammer to reach third base. Hammer would touch home plate after a passed ball, cutting the Lady Trojans lead to one (3-2).

But the home team did not sway in the midst of adversity. Ellis was able to force Coldsnow into a ground out for the second one in the inning. Ellis sealed the Lady Trojans win by striking out Lola Good to close out the win.

After the contest, New Kent Head Coach Maria Bates talked about learning from their earlier loss against the tough opponent.

“We had that one loss to Tabb and it pushed us to work hard and made us stronger in the long run,” she said. “We came out pumped to play them and get this redemption.

“We have to stay ready and there is a good chance that we see Skyline again,” Bates continued, pointing to their matchup from 2019 against the powerhouse team from Region B. “We have to play these games like it’s our last. We just want to play two more games.”

New Kent’s record improves to 14-1 on the season.