Warrior fastpitch softball team secured their first region win against the favored Hillgrove Hawks 2-0 on August 14.

“I’m so glad we could start off the season on a great note by beating one of our biggest rivals. Hillgrove played a good game, but our defense stayed strong and helped us come out on top. I am excited to spend the rest of the season winning more games with this talented group of girls,” Coach Weaver said.

The Lady Warriors held the Hawks scoreless throughout the entirety of the game. Olivia Mould recorded the win with an astounding performance on the mound. She ended the game in the top of the 7th with a crucial strikeout and finished the night with 76 total pitches, 57 for strikes. Mould and her teammates provided the defense, allowing only 5 Hillgrove players on base. Stellar performances by shortstop senior Bryanna Vasquez and 3rd baseman junior Taylor Krause gave the Warriors an advantage in the last few innings of the game.

“When we have a good start, everything seems to fall into place as it should. When we score runs in the 1st inning, we usually end up winning. I think we should focus on that this season… coming out with a bang,” sophomore left fielder Iman Muhammad said.

After scoring two runs in the bottom of the 1st inning, the Lady Warriors remained confident that they would come out as winners. A single by Vasquez and sacrifice bunt by Muhammad put a runner in scoring position for NC. A single and RBI by senior Casey Page scored Vasquez and a sacrifice fly by Taylor Krause scored Page, giving the Lady Warriors their early two run lead.

“We played a great game. I’m so proud of my teammates. We were able to show that all of our hard work in the offseason has payed off. I hope we can win our region and make it far in the state playoffs this year,” senior catcher Kayla Trumbull said.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Jordan Grubb

Dedicated Lady Warrior fans watch from the sidelines as their beloved team defeats their long time rivals.

The high school fastpitch season gains momentum in August and continues through late October. The Lady Warriors look forward to continuing their successful season and adding wins to their record. NC softball team’s next contest promises to provide sparks one, as they take on classic rival Kennesaw Mountain on August 21.