Lady Trojans hold off Smithfield, captures Bay Rivers District title once again

New Kent's Lady Trojans gather for a team picture after capturing another district title Friday afternoon.

Robb Johnson photos

New Kent’s Lady Trojans’ softball team has kept the excitement since opening day of the Spring 2022 season. They closed the regular season Friday evening with the same energy.

Overcoming some of the most adversity they faced all year, the Lady Trojans outlasted the visiting Smithfield Lady Packers 6-5, capturing the Bay Rivers District regular season championship once again.

New Kent appeared to have a grasp over the visitors to begin the game. McKenna Mueller’s home run blast over the left field fence in the bottom of the first provided the hosts an early 1-0 advantage.

But Smithfield wasn’t to be outdone, as Smithfield used a small ball game to take a 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning. Facing the deficit, New Kent responded in the bottom of the frame, adding three runs to double up the Lady Packers (4-2).

It looked like New Kent would cruise to victory after adding two more runs in the bottom of the fifth for a four-run advantage (6-2). But the top of the seventh saw Smithfield’s bat apply pressure. Smithfield’s base knocks along with the Lady Trojans’ inability to make routine outs.

But it was a debatable play that ultimately turned the tide in favor of the hosts. A play at third base was initially ruled safe, allowing the Smithfield runner to be in scoring position. However, after a discussion by the umpires, the play was overturned, resulting in out number two on the inning. On the next play, a fly ball snagged by New Kent ended the matchup.

New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Maria Bates assessed the team’s goals heading into postseason play.

“We have to make sure we take each game one at a time,” she said. “It is great having the number one seed, but it is win or go home.

“May is the month of champions,” Bates added. “We have to work on the little things and prepare.”

New Kent completes the regular season with a record of 18-1.

New Kent’s Noah Murray retrieves to foul territory to record a fly out.