Despite slow start, New Kent’s Lady Trojans corral Cougars to advance to state semifinals

New Kent’s Kenley Rowe makes a throw to second to start a double-play.

Noah Kennedy photo

Another game, another test, and another win for New Kent’s Lady Trojans’ softball team.

What began as a back-and-forth affair ended in yet another avalanche of runs for the home team as New Kent defeated the visiting Kettle Run Lady Cougars 11-3 in the Class 3A state quarterfinals on June 9.

Kendall White struck first for the Lady Trojans, driving in two runs in the bottom of the first to provide the hosts an early 2-0 lead. But Kettle Run rebounding in the to of the second, getting on the scoreboard with one run before two additional runs crossed home plate in the top of the third, placing the Lady Trojans in a rare position of playing from behind at home.

But the hosts were unraveled by the Lady Cougars, as Liberty Britt’s single to right field brought home a run and tied the game. In the bottom of the fourth, the Lady Trojan offense exploded with six runs in the frame, led by hits from Abbie Kegley and Cassidy Branch. A sacrifice fly by Mariah Leonard capped the scoring for New Kent as they took a 9-3 lead into the top of the fifth.

Meanwhile, Kegley notched additional strikeouts to keep Kettle Run in check. The Lady Trojans added two additional runs in the latter frames to close out the scoring.

After the game, New Kent Lady Trojans’ Head Coach Maria Bates spoke about her team’s toughness.

“Our team can turn it on at any moment and at any point in the lineup,” she said. “We consistently took advantage of the extra man on base with Hannah [Tober] getting walked all game.”

New Kent advances to the state semifinals and will take on Broadway High School in Fluvanna.