The Shadow
FISHERSVILLE, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Varsity softball team may not have walked away with the win Wednesday night, but they certainly displayed heart, hustle, and highlights that shouldn’t go unnoticed in their 12-2 loss to a strong Wilson Memorial squad.
Despite the final score, Alleghany gave Cougar fans plenty to cheer about early. In the top of the second inning, senior slugger Kelsey Nicely crushed a two-run home run over the left field fence, putting the Cougars ahead 2-1. The blast not only gave Alleghany the lead but also electrified the dugout and stands alike, showing the offensive potential this squad possesses.
Bryce Leitch also had a stellar performance at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and a stolen base. The Cougars scattered six hits throughout the game, with Brooklyn Hicks, Paige Webb, and Nicely all contributing to the offense.
Defensively, the Cougars worked through a tough night on the mound and in the field, but there were still moments of resilience. Addyson Neff started and battled through three innings, surrendering just three hits while striking out two. Relievers Emma Skidmore and Tyra Rose stepped in to eat up innings, and the pitching staff managed to strike out three total and showed flashes of control under pressure.
Errors hurt the Cougars’ chances, with three miscues in the field, but the team never stopped fighting. Webb, Hicks, and Terrell each made plays to keep things from slipping further, and catcher Brianna Terrell did a solid job handling three different pitchers behind the plate.
While Wilson Memorial executed cleanly in the field and capitalized on their offensive chances—scoring in all but one inning—the Cougars continued to battle every pitch and every at-bat. It was a game that, while lopsided on the scoreboard, gave Alleghany valuable experience and showed flashes of what the team is capable of.
As postseason hopes begin to take shape, the Cougars’ grit and resilience remain their calling card. A tough loss, yes—but one that showed Alleghany is a team with fight, talent, and more softball ahead. The ladies will be back in action on Monday on the road at Radford.
