The Shadow
BUCHANAN, VA. (VR) – The Alleghany Varsity Cougars sent a loud and clear message on Friday with an overwhelming 18-2 win over James River, fueled by a historic third inning and an explosive performance from Paige Webb. The Cougars’ offense was unstoppable, hammering out 19 hits, including a monster home run and a grand slam, to clinch a dominating victory.
The Cougars wasted no time in making their presence felt. In the first inning, Laken Cantrell sparked the offense with a two-run bomb to center field, setting the tone for what was to come. Paige Webb followed with a double, scoring one, and Kelsey Nicely and Tyra Rose each added hits to push the Cougars to an early 5-1 lead.
But it was the third inning that turned this game into a statement. With a 5-2 lead, Alleghany erupted for 13 runs, fueled by Webb’s three-run homer to center field, a sizzling double from Laken Cantrell, and a lineup that couldn’t stop hitting. Addison Morris doubled, scoring another, and Brooklyn Hicks and Kelsey Nicely each contributed with key hits. But the real fireworks came when Bri Terrell crushed a grand slam to left field, putting the finishing touches on a remarkable offensive display that left James River stunned.
Webb finished the day with a staggering four hits and four RBIs, including her three-run homer that served as the highlight of the game. Cantrell also had a standout performance, driving in four runs of her own, while Kelsey Nicely and Tyra Rose each had multiple hits and contributed to the onslaught.
In the circle, Addyson Neff was in control from start to finish. The right-handed pitcher tossed five innings, allowing only three hits and two runs, while striking out five and walking three. Neff’s steady performance on the mound allowed the Cougars to continue to pour it on offensively, and she never faced serious trouble from James River’s hitters.
For James River, Caitlyn Downey, Ella Hutchens, and Cloey Joynes each had one hit, with Joynes driving in the team’s only RBI. However, the team struggled to keep up with Alleghany’s relentless offense, with the Cougars’ defense making the most of their big lead.
