South Lenoir Blue Devils Softball Team Defeats Richlands Wildcats
South Lenoir Blue Devils Softball Team Defeats Richlands Wildcats
On March 4, the South Lenoir Blue Devils softball team secured their first win of the 2025 season with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Richlands Wildcats at South Lenoir High School. The win marked a bounce-back for the Blue Devils, who had suffered a tough 9-0 loss to Richlands just a week earlier.
The standout player for South Lenoir was pitcher #11 Callie Tyndall, who dominated the game from the mound. Tyndall pitched all seven innings, striking out six batters while allowing only one walk. Her composure and control helped keep the Wildcats at bay throughout the game. Reflecting on her performance, Tyndall said, "I thought I pitched really well and hit my spots. I came in with the mentality that I was going to pitch well and they weren't going to hit off me."
The Blue Devils managed to score one run in the second, third, and fourth innings, providing just enough support for Tyndall's stellar pitching. #7 Rylan Wade was a key contributor to the offense, showing off her speed with a triple and a stolen base after drawing a walk.
Despite a defensive hiccup in the sixth inning, the Blue Devils maintained their lead. Two dropped fly balls allowed Richlands to score their lone run in the top of the sixth, but South Lenoir quickly rebounded. Coach Madison Harveywas pleased with her team’s resilience, particularly in that difficult moment: "I'm proud of them for still stepping up and finishing the inning," she said.
Richlands’ pitcher Makenzie Goin showed her strength, striking out eight Blue Devils while allowing three hits and three runs. However, the Wildcats were unable to mount a significant offensive rally, with South Lenoir’s defense and Tyndall’s pitching holding them to just one run.
When asked about the team’s performance, Coach Harvey praised her players' readiness: "The girls were on it and ready to go. I think they were more fired up tonight than I saw on Friday." Her comments reflect the growth and confidence the team displayed after the previous week’s defeat.
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils' next game, scheduled for Wednesday against North Duplin, has been canceled. Their matchup on Friday is still uncertain, as the North Duplin girls are currently competing in the basketball playoffs. The team is eager to build on their success and continue their momentum in the upcoming games.
With strong leadership from Coach Harvey and standout performances from players like Tyndall and Wade, the Blue Devils are poised for a promising season. Fans are excited to see how the team progresses in the weeks ahead!
