The Shadow
LYNCHBURG, VA. (VR) – The Alleghany Junior Varsity Cougars had a tough start to their Saturday doubleheader, falling 21-0 to a red-hot Abington JV squad. Abington exploded out of the gate with a 12-run first inning that set the tone for the rest of the game.
Abington’s offense was relentless, stringing together 19 hits, including two in the first inning and another in the third. The Cougars struggled to contain the early onslaught. Starting pitcher Brooklyn Taylor took the loss, allowing 12 runs (seven earned) in just two-thirds of an inning. Maddy Lowry provided some stability in relief, going four and one-third innings and giving up nine runs (only two earned) while striking out two.
Despite the loss, Alleghany managed three hits from Taylor, Lowry, and Ally Cottrell, but couldn’t crack Abington’s pitcher, who tossed a complete game shutout with eight strikeouts.
**Game Two: Cougars Come Up Just Short in Thriller Against Brookville**
The second game of the day showcased a different side of the Cougars — a gritty, resilient team that nearly pulled off a comeback win before falling 14-13 to the Brookville JV Bees in heartbreaking fashion. The game ended in dramatic fashion as Brookville’s Kelsey Wright delivered a walk-off double in the bottom of the seventh, scoring two runs to snatch the win from Alleghany’s grasp.
Alleghany held the lead multiple times throughout the high-scoring affair. They jumped ahead early thanks to RBI groundouts from Ava Howard and Paelyn Osborne. The offense stayed hot in the middle innings with key hits from Howard, Analiese Webb, and Maddy Lowry, who all drove in runs in a big fifth inning.
Lowry also started in the circle and went the distance, giving up 14 runs — though only two were earned — as the Cougar defense struggled with errors. Still, she was a standout offensively, going 3-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs.
The Cougars racked up 15 hits in total, led by Brooklyn Taylor, Howard, and Lowry with three apiece. Webb and Cottrell each had two hits, and Abby Patterson drew three walks as part of a disciplined approach at the plate. Brookville matched Alleghany’s intensity with 13 hits of their own, and Wright proved to be the difference-maker, driving in five runs and going 3-for-5.
The girls will be back in action on Tuesday on the road at Patrick County.
