Hawks move to 3-0 with a shutout over the Rams
The North Lenoir Lady Hawks softball team is off to a great start this season, moving to 3-0 for the first time since 2015. The Hawks hosted the Greene Central Rams and came out on top with a commanding 18-0 victory.
Several players had standout performances, including Lakyn Whitley, who went 2-3 with one run and one RBI; Hallie Fowler, who had two hits and two RBIs and pitched three scoreless innings with four strikeouts; and Maddie Rouse, who went 2-3 with two runs, grandslam home run and an impressive six RBIs. Alyssa Hatcher also contributed with a 2-2 performance, scoring three runs and adding one RBI, while Alivia Whitley went 3-3 with three runs and one RBI. Skylar Harrison, Haley Hemby, Carly Grace Roddy, and RicKayla Harper also had hits and RBIs.
"We did good, and I had my defense behind me," Fowler said. "I couldn't have done it without my teammates being there."
Head Coach Bobby Hatcher was pleased with the team's performance, stating, "I saw some good things today. The girls were making adjustments at the plate as the game progressed, and our baserunning was better. That was a focus at practice yesterday, and it was good to see them carry it over to the game. They are getting better every day, but we have to clean some things up as well. Hallie threw well today. Her control was better, and she pitched with confidence. Hopefully, she can carry that on to the next game."
The team's 3-0 start to the season is impressive, but Coach Hatcher believes there is more work to be done.
"As far as our 3-0 start, I don't know that impressed is the right word. I know what these girls are capable of, and they have been playing to their capabilities for the most part. We have some areas for improvement, but I am confident that we will get there. Happy and proud are better words to describe how I feel about our start. I'm happy that they get to feel the excitement of winning, especially our seniors. They went through some pretty tough seasons their first couple of years. I am proud of the way they are coming together as a team, having fun, and playing for each other. They are fighters, and we will need that once conference play starts,"
The Lady Hawks will look to continue their winning streak as they take on Ayden-Grifton on March 9th, this coming Thursday at Ayden-Grifton. Hawks defeated Chargers 7-5 in the first matchup.
