Lady Mt. Lions win sectional, go to regional
By Chris Stadelman
The Parsons Advocate
The Lady Mountain Lions softball team has more than doubled its victory total from last year and, with a doubleheader sweep of Trinity Christian School, advanced to the Regional semifinal for the first time in several seasons.
Tucker County (11-12) took two last Wednesday at Morgantown’s Mylan Park, winning 4-0 and 12-6. The Lady Mountain Lions play South Harrison at 5 p.m. Thursday, again at Mylan Park.
“We were never trailing,” Coach Cassi Schwinabart said. “The closest they got was one run in the second game. We scored in every inning but one.”
Freshman Audra Hull threw a shutout in the first game, giving up five hits along with seven walks and seven strikeouts. She came on in relief in the second game and threw five-plus innings, allowing six hits and one earned run to go with six walks and two strikeouts.
“Altogether she pitched to 62 batters,” Schwinabart said. “Sixty-two batters and one earned run is pretty good. That’s the most she’s went.”
The defense came through, too.
“On several occasions we had the bases loaded and one out or no outs, and we got out of it,” Schwinabart said.
(To read more see this week's edition of The Parsons Advocate.)
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'Second season' begins
By Chris Stadelman
The Parsons Advocate
The regular season didn’t end exactly the way the Mountain Lions would like, but fortunately for the players the second season is just beginning, And it’s off to a good start.
Tucker County whipped Trinity 13-1 in the first round of the sectional Monday night, as Brendan Miller pitched all five innings.
That sent the Mountain Lions (10-15) to Pendleton County Tuesday night for the winners matchup. If the Mountain Lions lose, they’ll be at home Wednesday. If they win, the team gets a day off and play again Thursday.
Before the sectional, Tucker County lost both games of a doubleheader to Pendleton County, fell 9-1 to Grafton and lost 10-0 at Philip Barbour last week. But the team bounced back to split a doubleheader Saturday at Pocahontas, winning the second game 12-6 as the offense came alive.
“We’ve got to get our heads up,” Coach Kevin White said, noting the team was 7-6 at one point this season and boasts some of the best pitching in the area. “I know people wonder what Coach White is saying when they read that he says the pitching is strong, but it is strong. Other coaches have told me they would love to have some of the pitching we have.”
(To read more see this week's edition of The Parsons Advocate.)
Track teams perform well at PVC championships
By Chris Stadelman
The Parsons Advocate
Tucker County’s track teams tuned up for Thursday’s Region II competition by winning four individual titles and three relay races at the Potomac Valley Conference meet.
Lucas Warner brought home a pair for the boys – taking the 1600 and 3200 meters – and the 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams also won PVC crowns as the boys finished fourth overall.
Erin Dzaack won the long jump and Mary Beth Smith took the 1600 meters for the Lady Mountain Lions, and the shuttle hurdle team also finished first as the girls placed third overall.
All of those competitors have a strong chance to qualify for the May 16-17 state meet, as do several other Mountain Lions. The top three finishers Thursday at Lewis County High School qualify, as do the next four fastest times from around the state.
The second category was added to provide an opportunity for teams in especially strong regions, ensuring the best athletes make it to Charleston regardless of their location.
Warner, who ran 10:44 in the 3200 during the PVC meet at Pocahontas County High School, is ranked second in Class A in that event, according to figures compiled by www.runwv.com. He’s third in the 1600 meters (by just five-thousandths of a second), which he won last Wednesday in 5:12.
(To read more see this week's edition of The Parsons Advocate.) |
