Big third inning by Lady Trojans carries them to Class 3A State softball semifinals

New Kent’s Mariah Leonard waits patiently at third base before attacking home plate for a run.

Robb Johnson photo

Over the years, New Kent’s Lady Trojans and the Skyline Lady Hawks have met several times in state postseason play. And while the cast of characters may have changed, the competitiveness of the contests remains the same.

In the June 9 state quarterfinal match-up, New Kent’s Lady Trojans orchestrated a comeback to emerge as 7-3 victors and advance to the state semifinals in Abingdon.

With the score tied at one apiece in the top of the third, Skyline’s Kaitlynn King’s single drove in two runs for the visitors. New Kent was able to escape the rest of the inning unscathed as a baserunning error helped to retire the inning.

In the bottom of the frame, New Kent rallied to tie the game at three apiece. Moments later, Ava Brandon sent a ball over the fence for the Lady Trojans, giving them a 5-3 advantage.

After adding two more runs in the bottom of the fourth, New Kent held a 7-3 lead. In the top of the seventh, Sierra Carter’s closing strikeout was in part to help her earn career strikeout number 100 to end the game.

After the contest, New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Maria Bates commented that past situations has led to the team being prepared for the spotlight.

“We have been in these situations where they are battle-tested,” she said. “A few months ago, they would have lost their composure.

“This team has grown and has done what they needed to do,” Bates added. “They are playing as a team.”