RWA Freshman Madison Anderson makes contact for a base hit in a recent match with Great Falls High School. (Photo/Martha Ladd)
WINNSBORO – Richard Winn Academy’s Lady Eagle softball team is soaring to the conclusion of the 2014 regular season with a 9-2 record and already locked in for a state playoff berth. The Lady Eagles split with their only region competition, Spartanburg Christian, in a double-header played in Spartanburg on April 22.
In the first game of that double-header, the visiting Lady Eagles literary watched as SCA’s freshman pitching ace, Hannah Houge, hurled a perfect game. Houge collected 17 strikeouts in the first of two seven inning games and left the Lady Eagles stunned, fanning air at the plate. RWA’s Bailey Taylor, also a freshman, had her own heat going on from the mound as she struck out seven of the opposing batters. However, the Lady Warriors were able to plate three runs to capture the 3-0 victory.
As game two got under way, Houge experienced some frustrations early on as she walked her first three batters, and the RWA players were able to take advantage and put the bat on the ball to score five runs throughout the course of the game. Houge, however, got back into her rhythm and collected 18 K’s all total in game two while Taylor fanned four of the SCA batters. The Lady Eagle defense held the Lady Warriors to three runs once again. This time, though, RWA batters Taylor, Madison Anderson, Anna Grey Walters and Alyssa Atkerson were able to put the bat on Houge’s pitches to help their team score the 5-3 victory.
The Lady Eagles are currently posting a 9-2 record with only three regular season games remaining before state playoffs on May 9 and 10. Senior Carson Justice and Taylor lead the team offensively with the top batting averages. Aside from their coaches, motivating the team are Sarah Coleman, Walters, and Justice. These three seniors and their parents will be recognized during a special senior night ceremony held on May 2 when the Lady Eagles play their final home game against Wardlaw.
“While we still have a lot to learn, our team has come a long way this year. There’s been a huge difference in team attitude, camaraderie, and improvement in skills as well. Madison Anderson has been a great addition to the team,” said coach Retta Taylor. Anderson, a first year student at RWA, is a freshman first baseman for the Lady Eagles.
The Lady Eagles hosted Calhoun Academy on April 29, dropping the Lady Cavaliers 10-2. Tonight (May 2) RWA hosts Wardlaw at 5:30 p.m. to wrap up the regular season with Senior Night festivities.
