Lady Trojans’ softball kicks off campaign to repeat with drubbing of Bruton

New Kent’s Mariah Leonard (right) safely slides into second base. She would later score for the Lady Trojans.

Robb Johnson photo

As many coaches know, hitting the reset button after winning a championship is a must to have a team refocus and understand that a new season is in play. New Kent High School Lady Trojan Head Coach must have pushed the right ones with her group on March 15.

The Lady Trojans coasted to a 24-0 win over the visiting Bruton Lady Panthers, kicking off their Spring 2023 campaign.

After only pushing out one run in the opening frame, New Kent’s bats got going in the second. Abbie Kegley’s two-RBI triple factored into the hosts jumping out to a 7-0 lead. The players continued to cross the plate as Morgan Berg’s sacrifice pushed across another run, while Leah Round’s connection added another. It was Kennedy Ziglar’s three-run home run for the Lady Trojans that iced the inning and provided the hosts a 12-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Berg had no issues commanding the mound for New Kent. The senior picture struck out nine players while the Lady Trojan defense held Bruton scoreless.

After the contest, Bates said that the mission was to take last year’s success and transfer it into the new year.

“They want to play and keep the momentum going,” the head coach said, pointing to the team’s mindset for the new season. “They don’t want a one and done thing.

“We have strong, young talent, and they are going to work hard and show out,” Bates concluded.

New Kent ups its record to 1-0 on the season.