By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Visiting Hibriten used a double play with the bases loaded with Watauga runners to wiggle out of a first inning jam and allowing just a single run, but after a lightning delay the Pioneers scored three more runs to defeat the Panthers, 4-1, on April 30 at Pioneer Field. The action was Round 1 of the Northwestern Conference post season tournament.
BONUS PHOTOS at bottom of article. Click on any image for Slideshow Mode and best photo viewing.
Back to back doubles senior Kara Brooks and junior Julie Matheson to open the bottom half of the fifth inning were critical to the Pioneers’ scoring two runs in the inning, after also tallying a run in each of the first and third frames.
Junior Katie Matheson started in the pitcher’s circle for the Pioneers and went the full seven innings, giving up one run on six hits while hurling 107 pitches, striking out seven Panthers. Backing up Matheson, the Pioneers played error-free ball in the field.
The Pioneers have won four of their last five games with all of the victories in conference play. The last three wins in NWC play allowed Watauga to lay claim to third place in the league standings and draw home field advantage for the first round of the conference tournament.
With the win, Watauga is now 10-10 overall and 6-5 in conference play, behind undefeated South Caldwell (20-0, 10-0) and Alexander Central (17-4, 8-2).
The Pioneers advance to the semifinal round against the No. 2 seeded Cougars of Alexander Central, in Taylorsville, with first pitch scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
KEY PERFORMERS
- Katie Matheson: winning pitcher, 7 innings, allowed 1 run on 6 hits, striking out 7. Offensively, she was 1-4, with a stolen base.
- Julie Matheson: 1-2, 1 run scored, 1 RBI, 2B, walk
- Elizabeth Watson: 2-3, 1 RBI
- Kara Brooks: 1-2, 1 run scored, 2B
BONUS PHOTOS
