The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. – The Alleghany Varsity Cougars delivered a dominant performance on Thursday, defeating Staunton 17-0 in a game marked by an explosive second inning. The Cougars’ offense came alive in the second, scoring 13 runs, while their pitchers kept Staunton at bay, allowing no hits or runs throughout the game.
The Cougars got off to an early start in the bottom of the first inning. Laken Cantrell drew a walk to lead off the game, and her plate discipline set the tone for the inning. Addison Morris followed up with a double, driving in two runs, while Kelsey Nicely added a single that scored another run. By the end of the first, Alleghany held a 4-0 lead, but that was just the beginning.
In the second inning, the Cougars exploded for 13 runs, showcasing their offensive depth. Cantrell sparked the big inning with a two-run single. Kaylee Nicely then launched a two-run homer to center field, pushing the lead even further. The Cougars’ offensive attack was relentless, with a mix of singles, walks, and even a hit batter contributing to the onslaught. Cantrell picked up another RBI with a single, while Brooklyn Hicks came through with a double that plated three runs. Bryce Leitch also made his mark with a triple that brought in two more runs, adding to the Cougars’ overwhelming advantage.
On the mound, Addyson Neff was lights out, earning the win for Alleghany. Neff pitched three innings, giving up no hits, no runs, and striking out five batters while walking just one. Tyra Rose came in for relief and continued the shutout, throwing two innings of scoreless ball. Rose struck out three and walked two, preserving the Cougars’ dominant performance on both sides of the game.
Staunton struggled to find any rhythm offensively, as their pitchers couldn’t contain the Cougars’ powerful lineup. J Tovar took the loss, giving up eight runs on three hits in just one inning of work. A Dixon also had a tough outing, allowing nine runs (eight earned) on six hits in another inning, while walking four batters. Staunton’s pitching woes were compounded by Alleghany’s disciplined approach at the plate, which resulted in eight walks throughout the game.
Offensively, the Cougars collected 10 hits and showed excellent patience, drawing eight walks. Cantrell was a standout performer, finishing with two hits and three RBIs. Hicks also drove in three runs with a clutch double, while Kaylee Nicely’s home run and two RBIs further fueled the offense. Leitch’s triple was another key moment in the game, as it helped extend the Cougars’ already commanding lead. Morris and Cantrell both contributed two walks each, showcasing their ability to get on base and keep the offensive momentum going.
The Cougars will travel to Salem, Virginia where they will compete against Lebanon in a Invitational.
