STARKVILLE — The Starkville Academy fast-pitch softball team found its offensive rhythm Wednesday afternoon.
The Volunteers had eight hits and parlayed a seven-run third inning into an 11-0 non-region victory against archrival Heritage Academy at the Starkville Academy Softball Complex.
“We have struggled getting players across the plate,” Starkville Academy coach Kayla Mosley said. “In our last six or seven games, the most we have scored has been one run, so to have this type of offensive game feels really good.”
Starkville led 1-0 before sending 11 batters to the plate in the third. The hosts also capitalized on two walks, a hit batter, and two infield errors.
“We hit the ball a whole lot better than we have been,” Starkville Academy shortstop Mary Austin Barber said. “This game will really help us out from a confidence standpoint.”
The Volunteers (12-14) struck first with a run in the first. After a one-out walk, Nikki Ford and Julianne Jackson followed with hits. Jackson”s hit scored Megan Picard, who had walked.
In the third inning, Picard led off with a single and Ford walked. An RBI single by Jackson plated Picard. A hit batter then loaded the bases. An infield error meant five straight players reached to start the frame and also forced another run home.
“This inning will help the girls going forward,” Mosley said. “They had been down and out. It is hard to break out of that. For all of them to get out there and get a hit and score some runs, I know they are pumped. I am pumped, too. I just hope it carries over.”
After Heritage Academy recorded the first out of the inning, a bases-loaded walk forced in a run. A fielder”s choice resulted in a player being retired at the plate.
With the bases loaded and two outs, Barber delivered the big hit, a bases-clearing triple down the left-field line. The second error of the inning extended the frame and allowed the seventh run of the frame to score.
“It felt really good because we needed this kind of game,” Barber said. “We needed a lift from some of the other games we had been having. We have been getting down from not hitting, then making an error or two here or there. I think this game will help the attitude of this team out a lot.”
In the fourth, Jackson began things with her third hit, a single through the left side of the infield. Lauren Ware walked before a wild pitch advanced both runners. An infield error forced in a run, while a two-run double from Megan Aucoin closed the scoring.
The contest was called in the fifth inning by the 10-run rule.
“We never take anybody for granted,” Mosley said. “The girls always get up for Heritage because they are so close. We were really glad to be back home today. I am very happy we played this way and got the win.”
Allie Lowe had two singles, while Katlyn Petty had a double for Heritage Academy (5-13).
n Oak Hill Academy 12, Central Academy 3: At West Point, Mamie Allen allowed two hits, walked four, and struck out six to lead the Lady Raiders (10-9).
Maegen Ellis and Kim Kelly had two hits, while Anna Lummus, Tori Ellis, and Hunter Coleman each had hits.
Oak Hill Academy will play Manchester Academy at 3:30 p.m.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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