Hawks in Full Flight: North Lenoir Sweeps Panthers with 7–1 Win
WHEAT SWAMP, N.C. — The North Lenoir Hawks continue to roll. Just two days after notching a 5-1 road win over East Duplin, the Hawks doubled down with a dominant 7-1 home victory Thursday night, sweeping the Panthers in a crucial conference series.
Led by senior ace Maddie Rouse, who tossed a complete game, North Lenoir took control in the fourth inning and never looked back. Rouse was sharp again in the circle, scattering seven hits while allowing just one run, two walks, and striking out three.
“I think the girls behind me definitely gave me a big help on the pitcher’s mound,” Rouse said. “They definitely made big plays out there. It was a big relief to have hits and good defense.”
With the game tied 1-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth, the Hawks’ bats came alive. Hallie Fowler cracked a two-run double to break the deadlock, and Jayla Ross followed with a shot to the base of the right-field fence, bringing in two more.
“I just told myself to listen to what our coaches said about our batting approach and take it opposite side,” Fowler said, explaining her mindset during the key at-bat.
The offensive spark in the fourth gave North Lenoir all the momentum it needed. Fowler and Kailey Bridwell each had two hits, while Rouse, Ross, and Fowler drove in two runs apiece.
It was another complete-team performance from a Hawks squad that’s locked in as the regular season winds down.
“Sound like a broken record right now,” said head coach Colby Miller, “but we made things happen and did the things we had to do.”
With the win, North Lenoir stays even with rival South Lenoir at 8-1 in conference play, setting up a May 1 showdown that could decide the league crown. Before that, the Hawks will take on Kinston and James Kenan—two games that could fine-tune their momentum heading into the final stretch.
For now, North Lenoir is playing with confidence, chemistry, and a clear goal in sight.
But for now, North Lenoir is playing with confidence, chemistry, and a clear goal in sight.
