Story By Jeffery Gibert
West Potomac Senior, DigitalSports Intern
Photos and Videos By Sam Briggs
West Potomac Sophomore, DigitalSports Intern
** Click the links to the left to access photos and video highlights from Tuesday’s game!
Clutch two-out RBI hits by South County junior catcher Michelle Boynton and sophomore right fielder Julia Kastner propelled South County to a 2-1 victory over Atlee in a Virginia AAA state quarterfinal on Tuesday, the first ever state tournament victory for a South County team.
“It’s a big deal, taking their first win in the state tournament,” South County Head Coach Al Thompson said. “No one’s ever done that here at South County. It’s the first time anyone’s advanced.”
The visiting Raiders got on the board first when first baseman Randi Farrar hit an RBI double in the fourth inning that scored second baseman Amanda Warley, who reached base after being hit by a pitch two batters before.
Atlee catcher Mackenzie Keyes followed up Farrar’s scoring double with a single of her own, but South County junior pitcher Chelsey Dunham kept her composure and worked her way out of the jam.
“We’re were so excited,” said Dunham, who totaled seven strikeouts. “It was our goal to win … and we did.” We’re used to being down and coming back. It’s kind of our specialty.”
Indeed, the Stallions rallied in the bottom half of the fifth inning. With two outs, South County looked dead in its tracks. But that was before junior centerfielder Karly Thompson battled at the plate, eventually reaching via a single.
Then Boynton — with a single swing — changed the whole feel of the game.
She blasted an RBI double that gave the Stallions a breath of fresh air. Kastner then sealed with deal with an RBI single of her own.
“You just have to put yourself into position,” Boynton said of her clutch play. “I’ve been in that position before. Last year, we were at districts and [got] the game-winner right there. You just have to do what you have to do … you can’t be nervous.”
Added Kastern: “When you’re tied, you have to get up there and not focus on hitting the ball far or long. [You] just have to get your bat on the ball and hope you get on base and score that run in.”
Dunham then did a fantastic job of keeping the lead for South County. In the inning following the Stallions’ breakthrough, Dunham faced the heart of Atlee’s lineup — Warley, pitcher Jackie Jenkins, and Farrar — and promptly retired the side. Dunham finished off the Raiders for good in the top of the seventh inning by striking out right fielder Elizabeth Holte to seal the victory.
“These kids will never quit,” Thompson said. “Chelsey won’t let them.”
With the victory, South County advances to face Loudoun Valley at 4 p.m. Friday at Westfield for a spot in the state championship game the following day.
“We’re just going to keep our same mojo going,” Thompson said.
Processing your request, Please wait....
