Lady Hawks Win in Extra Innings

In a thrilling conclusion to an intense match, North Lenoir clinched a 6-5 victory over Wallace-Rose Hill in extra innings, largely thanks to Alyssa Hatcher's extraordinary performance. Not only did Hatcher tie the game in the seventh inning with a two-run home run, but she also drove in the game-winning run with a double later in the extra innings. Complementing Hatcher's heroics, Lakyn Whitley also shone brightly, going a perfect 5-for-5, scoring 3 runs, and knocking two doubles, significantly contributing to the team's success.

Reflecting on the team's performance and strategy, Coach Bobby Hatcher highlighted the adjustments made after a shaky start. "Early in the game, our approach at bat wasn't very good. We were over swinging and making a lot of errors on routine plays," he explained. However, the team's resilience shone through, with Hatcher drawing parallels to past challenges that helped them persevere: "It reminded me of the South Lenoir game, which gave us some momentum to carry over to this game and beyond."

Alyssa Hatcher shared her mindset during those critical at-bats, especially when the bases were loaded after Maddie Rouse was intentionally walked. "I knew I had to step up. When they loaded the bases, I just focused on making solid contact. Hitting that double felt amazing, knowing it helped my team secure the win," she said.

Coach Hatcher praised Alyssa Hatcher's performance and mindset: "Alyssa was on fire tonight, not just with her bat but with her presence on the field. She showed true leadership."

The victory brings North Lenoir's record to an impressive 12-1, signaling a strong position as they progress through the season. This game was a testament to the team's grit and ability to capitalize on crucial moments, setting a high bar for their upcoming encounters.