The Shadow
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. (VR) – Emma Skidmore was untouchable, and Alleghany backed her with a relentless offensive surge in a run-rule win over Rockbridge.
The Cougars struck first in the opening inning. Paige Webb delivered an RBI single to left to score Ava Howard for a 1-0 lead. Alleghany kept traffic on the bases with hits from Howard and Webb, forcing Rockbridge to defend early.
In the second, the lead grew to 3-0 without a hit needed to do the damage. A misplayed ball in right allowed two runs to score, and Alleghany continued to capitalize on defensive miscues.
The third inning broke it open. Brooklyn Taylor drove in a run with a single to right, and Kaylee Nicely followed with a solo home run to center—her 100th career hit—pushing the advantage to 5-0.
Alleghany added on in the fourth when Nicely doubled to right, scoring Webb to make it 6-0.
The fifth inning sealed it. The Cougars strung together multiple hits, including RBI singles from Maddy Lowry, Ava Howard, and Nicely, along with a sacrifice fly from Webb, stretching the lead to double digits.
Defensively, Alleghany was flawless. The infield turned routine plays all night, with Ava Howard, Peyton Broughman, and Webb anchoring a clean effort that never gave Rockbridge an opening.
Skidmore controlled the game from the circle from start to finish, recording six strikeouts and not allowing a single baserunner in a perfect-game performance as Rockbridge was held without a hit or walk.
