The Shadow
HUDSON, N.C. — Patrick & Henry Community College softball opened Region 10 Division III play on Tuesday, dropping a road doubleheader to Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute by scores of 9-3 and 7-3. The Patriots move to 19–14 overall on the season.
Caldwell created early separation in both games, and while P&HCC continued to compete throughout, the Patriots were unable to fully close the gap in their conference opener.
In the opener, freshman Allison Brooks (Stuarts Draft, Va.) turned in one of the day’s top individual performances, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a single, double, and a sixth-inning home run. Her bat provided a spark for the Patriots late as P&HCC plated runs in the sixth inning.
Despite the offensive push, Caldwell capitalized on a big second inning to take control early. P&HCC remained solid defensively, playing error-free softball, with sophomore Haley Goode (Moneta, Va.) leading the way with seven chances in the field.
Sophomore Lily Carola (Union, W.Va.) got the start in the circle, while sophomore Aris Smith (King George, Va.) logged extended relief innings and struck out four.
The second game followed a similar pattern, with Caldwell building an early lead and maintaining it throughout.
P&HCC scattered seven hits across the lineup, with contributions coming from Brooks, freshman Brooklynn Hicks (Covington, Va.), sophomore Hannah Haynes (Virginia Beach, Va.), freshman Sierra Custer (Grottoes, Va.), freshman McKenzie Cobb (Yanceyville, N.C.), sophomore Morgan McCrary (Bassett, Va.), and sophomore Kylie Cooper (Wirtz, Va.).
Brooks, Haynes, and Custer each drove in a run, while the Patriots added a double play defensively and once again avoided any errors.
Carola returned to the circle in game two, working five innings and striking out four.
Head Coach Robbi Campbell noted the team’s effort despite the results.
“We didn’t get the results we wanted, but there were still positives to build on,” Campbell said. “We had quality at-bats, stayed solid defensively, and continued to compete. Now it’s about putting everything together as we move forward in conference play.”
P&HCC will continue Region 10 play on the road Friday at Wake Technical Community College, with first pitches set for 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
For schedules, recaps, and statistics, visit phccsports.com.
