The Shadow
LOW MOOR Va, (VR) – The Alleghany Junior Varsity Cougars battled back after a tough early deficit, but it wasn’t enough as they fell 13-14 to Lord Botetourt on Thursday in a thrilling, high-scoring contest. Both teams put up a bunch of runs, but ultimately, it was the Cavaliers who held on for the victory.
Botetourt’s offense was explosive from the start, as they jumped out to a commanding lead in the first inning. Aaliyah Johnson and Kambri Weaver both drew walks to score early runs, and then the Cavaliers’ bats really came alive. Kaylin Bousman singled in a run, followed by a two-RBI double from Emma Rickman and a two-run single by Chloe Hopkins. By the time the dust settled, Lord Botetourt had racked up a 6-0 lead.
The Cavaliers didn’t slow down in the second inning, extending their advantage with an error, a ground out by Weaver, and a double by Bousman that put them up 9-0. It looked like Lord Botetourt was well on their way to an easy victory, but the Cougars weren’t ready to give up.
In the third inning, the Cavaliers added more insurance runs. Paige Saunders was hit by a pitch, and Emilee grounded out, with each scoring a run, pushing Lord Botetourt’s lead to 11-1.
However, the Cougars found their rhythm in the bottom of the fourth. With a combination of patience at the plate and timely hits, Alleghany put up a remarkable eight runs to close the gap to just 13-9. Emma Rickman induced a fielder’s choice, and Analiese Webb drew a walk to score the first run. From there, singles from Abby Lindsey, Kendra Dressler, and Abby Patterson, combined with walks and ground outs, fueled the Cougars’ rally. It was a spirited comeback, but they came up just short.
Lord Botetourt pitcher Tinley Humphries earned the win, surrendering just one hit and three runs over two innings, striking out two and walking three. Alleghany’s Maddy Lowry gave a valiant effort in relief, striking out three and walking three, but she allowed four hits and six runs (zero earned) in her three innings of work. Brooklyn Taylor took the loss for the Cougars after giving up seven runs on five hits in one inning, despite striking out three.
At the plate, the Cougars had a balanced offensive attack. Abby Lindsey, Abby Patterson, Brooklyn Taylor, Kendra Dressler, Savanna Hicks, and Ally Cottrell each collected one hit. Patterson, Taylor, and Cottrell each drove in two runs. Dressler was also a standout with two walks and two stolen bases, helping to keep the Cougars’ offense alive throughout the game.
For Botetourt, Bousman led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, driving in three runs. Hopkins and Emilee also added multiple hits as the Cavaliers piled up 13 runs on nine hits. The Cavaliers showed a disciplined approach at the plate, earning six walks, with Johnson and Weaver each drawing two free passes.
Looking ahead, Alleghany will travel to Staunton for their next game on Thursday, hoping to bounce back after a hard-fought defeat.
