Abingdon’s experience knocks Lady Trojans out of playoffs in state semifinals

New Kent’s Sierra Carter slides safely into second base while avoiding the tag by Abingdon’s Scout Summitt.

Robb Johnson photo

While many doubted the journey, New Kent’s Lady Trojans overcame the odds of being a young team to make the Class 3A state semifinals. And while there were many celebrations and high points, the youthfulness of the squad factored into Friday morning’s state semifinal.

The Lady Trojans season came to an end, falling to the undefeated Abingdon Lady Falcons 11-1 in the state semifinal matchup.

New Kent was up to bat first in the contest. After Mariah Leonard was moved over by a sacrifice bunt from Kenley Rowe, Riley Waldron’s single drove home Leonard to provide New Kent a 1-0 advantage by the conclusion on the top of the first.

But in the bottom of the frame, Abingdon showed why their undefeated record was no fluke. The Lady Falcons quickly dissected the pitching of New Kent’s Sierra Carter, notching five runs in the bottom of the frame.

New Kent’s next best offensive threat came in the top of the fourth. Trailing 7-1, Carter reached based on a double, with Addison Moore’s single advancing her to third. A pop fly by Vyktorya Otey to the outfield allowed Carter to tag. However, Carter was thrown out at home plate.

Momentum continued to elude New Kent, as Abingdon added a combined four runs in the bottom of the fourth and fifth frame, resulting in a mercy rule victory for the Lady Falcons.

After the contest, New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Maria Bates only exhibited high praise for her team.

“This was such a young team, and no one thought we would make it back to the final four,” she commented. “I have seen the growth proving the naysayers wrong getting back to the big stage.

“Only three started from this team last year,” Bates continued. “They are new to this, but they showed that id did not matter.”

As for the future, the head coach praised the efforts of her team, but especially the pitching of Carter on the mound.

“Let me say Sierra Carter is the reason we are here today,” Bates said, commenting on the hot streak the team had behind her dominance on the mound. “I feel that she will come back with a vengeance next season.

“We are coming back and we will add some talent that will fuel them and now they have some experience going into 2027,” the coach concluded.

Bates last comment may be an understatement as only Leonard graduates from a team that finishes the season with a record of 18-7.