Lady Trojans make statement, bounce Colonial Heights to earn state berth in softball

New Kent’s Norah Murray slides into third base safely on the first offensive play of the game for the Lady Trojans.

Robb Johnson photo

After an early season scare from the Colonial Heights Lady Colonials, New Kent’s Lady Trojans focused on taking care of business to earn a berth to the Group 3A State Championships once again.

No problem.

New Kent coasted to a 14-1 victory over the visiting Lady Colonials, earning their right to the Group 3A Region A Championships and clinching a spot in the state tournament.

New Kent however, found themselves on the rare side of being behind before they even went to bat. Brooke Hartman found her way across home plate after a wild pitch to put Colonial Heights ahead 1-0.

But that was all the happiness that the team would see for the remainder of the evening.

Hartman, now on the mound for Colonial Heights, could not overcome the ferocious bates of New Kent. Norah Murray reached based on a triple while teammate Alline Alexander received a free pass to first base on a walk. McKenna Mueller connected with a triple of her own to bring in her teammates to provide the hosts a 3-1 advantage. Three more runs in the second inning by the Lady Trojans provided a comfortable spread for the hosts (6-1). New Kent pushed across eight more runs over the next three innings as they conquered the Lady Colonials in the playoff game.

After the contest, New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Maria Bates discussed the meaning of returning to the regional title game and the state tournament.

“We have said all yar that we will be a better team towards the end of the year and the next game determines if we host the first game of states at home,” she said. “We have to bring our A game.

“It is hard beating a team three times in a year,” Bates continued, pointing to the matchup against Bay Rivers District rival Tabb. “But I will say that these seniors have led the way and they have an expectation to be here. The younger girls have encapsulated that as well and they expect to be here.”