Lady Blue Devils Storm into Third Round, Defeating Whiteville 10-0

DEEP RUN, N.C. — South Lenoir High School’s softball team cruised to a 10-0 victory over Whiteville in the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs on Saturday, advancing to the third round for the second time in three years. The game, originally scheduled for Friday, was postponed due to heavy rain and played on Saturday instead.

The No. 6 seed Blue Devils (15-5) jumped out to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning. Makenzie Herring ignited the rally with a single up the middle, followed by Rylan Wade’s double that drove Herring home. Jade Sasnett reached on an error, bringing Wade in. Payton Bryan and Katherine Thompson kept the momentum going with line drives to center field, collectively driving in Sasnett and Bryan.

South Lenoir added two more runs in the second inning. Herring brought in Carley Boone, and Wade hit a triple that scored Herring, extending the lead to 6-0. The Blue Devils sealed their win with four runs in later innings, implementing a run rule to conclude the game at 10-0 against the No. 11 seed.

Key performers included Wade, who went 3-for-3 with two runs, three RBIs, a double, a triple, and two stolen bases. Herring contributed a 2-for-3 line with three runs, one RBI, and two stolen bases. Thompson also added a 2-for-3 performance, scoring once and notching two RBIs with a stolen base.

Pitcher Jade Sasnett dominated on the mound, delivering a lights-out performance over five scoreless innings. She allowed just three hits and struck out eight batters, keeping Whiteville’s offense in check throughout the game. The win for Sasnett moves her to an impressive 7-2 win loss record on the season.

With this win, South Lenoir will advance to face the No. 3 seed Midway (17-3) in the third round of the playoffs.