Lady Trojans knock out Phoebus with 14-run second inning

New Kent's Gracie Ellis commands the mound in the Lady Trojans dominant performance over Phoebus.

Robb Johnson photo

Despite having an outstanding record last year, New Kent’s Lady Trojans found themselves on the wrong end of the scorecard after the semi-finals of the Group 3A Region A softball playoffs. This year, with the number one seed in hand, a motivated home squad took advantage in the May 22 playoff opener.

Pushing 14 runs across the plate in the second inning, New Kent had little trouble disposing of Phoebus’ Lady Phantoms 17-0 in the first round off the regional playoffs.

New Kent only produced a single run in the first inning. Haley Baker’s single, subsequent steal, and crossing the plate on a Phoebus error provided the hosts a 1-0 lead. From there, the bats heeded the offensive call from the Lady Trojans.

K.B. Snyder’s double started a chain of events. After a bunt attempt by Gracie Ellis resulted in a momentarily timeout due to injury, she bounced back with a double to bring home Snyder. From there, the Lady Trojans had no troubles in closing out the game.

New Kent head coach Maria Bates talked about the luxury of playing at home.

“We had great offense and defense in those first two innings,” she said. “We put the bat on the ball and took advantage of some opportunities out there.

“This was a great chance to get every one’s confidence up going into the postseason,” Bates continued. “It’s a new season, win or go home. Now, we look forward to playing York and we know it’s always hard to beat a team three times in a calendar year. But we will be ready.”