That's all I have to do.". She also notched the games first hit in the top of the fourth on a two-out infield single, but was eventually retired on the base paths. Could the multi-sport standout become WNC"s best athlete ever? McDowell will open its softball season on Monday at R-S Central (6 p.m. varsity start) Josh Davis, blueridgesportsphotography.com Daniel Crawley The start of the 2023 regular season is Monday and the McDowell Lady Titans softball team is ready to take that next step. Seeded fourth, the Patriots (15-3) defeated third-seeded Grays Creek 7-2 on Tuesday to advance to the state title game. Taylor's bouncer up the middle had eluded two of those their gloves and gone all the way to the wall. Two-and-a-half hours later, as theyreconvened in right field with the trophy in hand, their would-be starting catcher was again part of the huddle joining the postgame celebration viaFaceTime. Despite the fact that Alexander Central struck out three times for the fourth consecutive inning, the Cougars led 3-0 with three innings to play. Carrigan scattered four singles across her complete game shutout, leaving the bases loaded in the fifth to get out of the only real threat of the day. "Offensively, we're always ready, always prepared. She only walked three while striking out eight. Mendoza would eventually get up and remained in the game, but Black Hawks coach Tiffani Ferguson felt the scary scene rattled her team. Our program is based on tradition and a first-class program, and we could not be more excited to take this group, Alexander Central coach Kylie Hamby said. Baseball World Series. The Cougars will attempt to win the 11th state title in program history when they face Southern Alamance in a best-of-three series this weekend. SHELBY Allit took for North Buncombe softball to reach a second consecutive 3A regional final was a lifetime high in innings, pitches and strikeouts from the defending Gatorade State Player of the Year. In the fourth, however, North Buncombe (15-1, 12-0) wasn't able to escape trouble. We tried our hardest; we put every single thing that we could into it.". Faith Carrigan got the shutout victory in the pitchers circle. The Little League players in district 11 are ready to start their summer journey. In the top of the fourth of Thursday's second-round playoff game against North Lincoln, the North Buncombe softball ace stuck her glove out at a hard line drive. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. "Going into it, we said in playoffs, it's really anybody's game. "Why are you telling me to go rent a house, go buy a house, or go rent a condo when everything I need is right here in the facility?". 5 Union Academy (17-7), No. For the first time in program history, North Buncombe softball has advanced to the state championship series. North Buncombe's wins are by 4-0 and 4-1 scores. 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Iredell opener, Wake Forest moves on in ACC Women's Tournament with win over Virginia, Dan Snyder is under investigation over line of credit taken out by Commanders, Lionel Messi named men's Player of the Year at the 2022 Best FIFA Awards. 3 North Buncombe (21-1) vs. No. 6 Rockingham County (24-2), No. turning a potential infield single into a walk-off trip around the bases. R-S Central vs North Buncombe High School Softball - Live Stream Watch Live Game On www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=v.ht/Uxlz6STREAMIN. Mendoza would eventually get up and remained in the game, but Black Hawks coach Tiffani Ferguson felt the scary scene rattled her team. Themiscues left the Black Hawks on the wrong side oftwo ultra-close games in a state championship sweep, taking a 3-2 lossSaturday to end the best season in program history and the career of one of the best athletes in school history. After Carrigan again made quick work of the fifth-seeded Black Hawks (15-1) in the second, Alexander Centrals Kenzie Church led off the third-seeded Cougars half of the inning with a five-pitch walk. The Black Hawks entered last year's regional final against Alexander Central 15-0, with the few early-round playoff games their only chances to play anybody outside of their conference. However, Kenzie Jones flied out to right fielder Abby Teague, sending Alexander Central back to the plate with its three-run lead intact. Tuscola vs North Buncombe Softball | Sports | themountaineer.com Tuscola vs North Buncombe Softball Diana Gates Apr 23, 2021 0 1 of 14 Diana Gates Follow Diana Gates As featured on Tuscola softball rolls to third-straight win The Tuscola girls softball team continues its playoff run with road victories at North Hende Thank you for reading! Both pitchers breezed through the first inning, with Alexander Central (15-3) junior Faith Carrigan retiring the Black Hawks 1-2-3 in the top half of the frame before her counterpart, fellow junior Karlyn Pickens of North Buncombe a 2022 University of Tennessee commit struck out the side in the bottom half. "We're always there to back her up, every time there's a [ball in play]," Whitson said. That's the way it is sometimes.". The right-hander allowed four hits and issued a walk, but appeared to be in total control throughout. Standings will be put out weekly with each team's win-loss record. Check back often during the tournament for scores, stories,photos andvideo from the 12year-old division games. Alexander Centrals Kirstyn Herman, left, and Darcy Childers celebrate after defeating North Buncombe. The Black Hawks averaged 9.2 runs per game in the WMAC-only regular season, but scraped across eight runs total in their four-game playoff run. 2023 www.citizen-times.com. "We all know in playoffs," Ferguson said, "it comes down to one-, two-run ballgames. Game 1 will be Friday night at 7 p.m., followed by Game 2 and the if-necessary Game 3 on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.. Below is a complete list of Citizen Times coverage of North Buncombe softball from the 2021 and 2022 seasons. "This year, we were stepping our game up. We tried our hardest; we put every single thing that we could into it.". We all played as a team," Pickens said. "That was hope," Ferguson said. By all accounts, what she's accomplished in Weaverville will only serve as the beginning of what could be a truly extraordinary career for the 6-foot-1 Tennessee signee. The streak would have reached 15 if not for a wild pitch allowing a strikeout victim to reach base. They were a little bit more prepared for the pitching than we had the opportunity to be.". (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). So far, it's worked. "That was hope," Ferguson said. Until recently, Pickens' recruitment likely would've dragged on for years. Were gonna swing level, were gonna hit the ball, said Carrigan. "Sometimes people rise to the occasion with pressure, sometimes people don't. The Black Hawks now sport a 1-1 record. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. "One hit that got through. They play next when they travel to Murphy for a non-league battle on Tuesday, March 8. The Black Hawks will play Eastern Alamance in a best-of-three series June 3-4 at UNC-Greensboro. After Campbell stole second, Church was hit by a pitch. "We put each other on our backs, and that's what you have to do to win these tough playoff games.". "Last year's (regular season), we were kind of just playing to play," second baseman Kiersten Gosnell said. They have a love for the game like I havent seen and they have a really big love for each other too, which makes our chemistry really good on the field. ", "This entire season, we've talked about playing with intensity and playing with aggression," TiffaniFerguson said. The 6-foot junior finished with 17 strikeouts in her six innings of work, but after surrendering three runs in the fourth, it would be up to the Black Hawks bats to keep the season alive. "Knowing I've struggled with her before and being able to adjust and succeed in that way," Holley said. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. PICKENS:Could the multi-sport standout become WNC"s best athlete ever? So far, it's worked. Man died Wednesday. The approachwon't always work out a would-be insurance run in the fifth inning was thrown out at the plate but it's a risk North Buncombe (21-1)is willing to take, especially as the postseason wears on. "We tried to be super aggressive.". 5 Union Academy (17-7), No. 5 North Lincoln (19-5), No. This group of kids are all amazing, they are great kids just like they are great ballplayers. Im so ready to go to states with them, Im so pumped.. Alexander Central softball players celebrate after defeating North Buncombe 3-0 in the 3A West Regional championship game Tuesday in Taylorsville. TAYLORSVILLE Alexander Central scored in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat East Rowan 1-0 in the third round of the 3A state softball playoffs Saturday. "They capitalized on some of the [wild pitches and] passed balls, and we didn't have that opportunity," Ferguson said. 2022 spring 12u - 1st place in bgs/2nd place overall. While grieving, she juggled considerablemedia attention, legal proceedings and fundraising for a playground in Avery's honor. "We put each other on our backs, and that's what you have to do to win these tough playoff games.". Just didn't go our way.". The quality of competition this time of the yearmeans her team's aim is topressure opponents into mistakes. The Cougars (3-0) will now prepare for their battle against West Wilkes (Millers Creek, NC). West Iredell opened the season Monday with a 2-1, rain-shortened victory over Bunker Hill. You can cancel at any time. When you don't have an opportunity to do that, it hurts," Ferguson said. "You almost feel like she was made for this," Black Hawks coach Tiffani Ferguson said. The Tennessee commit was missing her spots in the opening frame, and the normally potent offense only managed one baserunner the first time through the lineup against Cox Mill starter Bree Burris. Please subscribe to keep reading. She'll face off against UNC signee Kenna Raye Dark, who pitched the Eagles to the 2019 championship as a freshman and has a 0.46 ERA this year. We all played as a team," Pickens said. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). In the fourth, however, North Buncombe (15-1, 12-0) wasn't able to escape trouble. Black Hawks swept with pair of one-run losses, Eastern Alamance walks off on Black Hawks in pitcher's duel, 16 years after daughter's murder, Anita King is one of team's biggest supporters, Breakdown and prediction of North Buncombe state championship vs. Eastern Alamance, Karlyn Pickens could become one of WNC's best athletes ever, Black Hawks advance to program's first state championship, What it's like to be on the field with Karlyn Pickens, Black Hawks keeping injured catcher part of playoff run, 2021 regional final loss fueled teamfor this year, Aggression on the basepaths designed to win playoff games, Black Hawks bats go cold in regional final loss, North Buncombe walks off Cox Mill in 1st round, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. However, they still needed runs at some point to avoid playing a winner-take-all Game 3 Saturday. "We needed to lay off the high pitch, and when she came into the zone, we needed to attack it.". The righty only gave up three hits, two to the opposing pitcher. The Cougars advanced to the Tuesdays 3A West regional championship game and will host North Buncombe (15-0) for a spot in the state championship series. Ex-DCS worker agrees to $6M payout to family she separated but wants state to pay, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. "We're always there to back her up, every time there's a [ball in play]," Whitson said. 12u all star qualifies for reginals. R-S Central High School (RSCHS) is a public high school located in Rutherfordton, NC. "Things didn't really go our way on some of the things that happened tonight. "If you do get a lead, that's pressure," Ferguson said. They were a little bit more prepared for the pitching than we had the opportunity to be.". See all the latest scores & stats from your favorite teams! 62 years as a barber in Hickory: Clemons shares advice he received, love of pintos and cabbage, Hickory man sentenced to 50 years on child pornography charges, Granite Falls driver headed to NHRA Gatornationals, Catawba County Sheriff's Office seeks suspect in robbery of Newton convenience store, Startown Elementary, Maiden Middle win state archery titles, Letter: Store closing because of its 'woke' views, H.S. In a new format and with a different attitude than last season, North Buncombe moved to within a game of the. The Cougars will attempt to win the 11th. "I know they're crying and hanging their heads right now, but top four in the state is a big deal.". Softball World Series. King was returning to her car after eating at aMcDonald's with her daughter, sister and two nephews in Covington, Ga.,when a manintentionally ran them over in the parking lot, killing Avery. West Iredell had two players make the cut. Alexander softball on the path to an 11th state title? King had injuries of her own to recover from andwas pregnant at the time of the attack, givingbirth to a second daughter, Gracie, five months later. "Everybody was on point today. 10 Roberson (20-6) vs. No. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. ", Instead, on the count of three, they yelled, "Julianna!". "Sometimes people rise to the occasion with pressure, sometimes people don't. 3 Robbinsville (20-2) vs. No. Alexander lined out to 2b (2-2 BBFF). The North Buncombe softball team celebrates after a playoff win against North Lincoln on May 12, 2022. "Us being the tough little team that we are, being young, we tried to do what we could with two outs. All rights reserved. "It's our job on offense to come back in and score some runs. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. Pickens' first 14 outs came via the strikeout. "It was a surreal moment. "Us being the tough little team that we are, being young, we tried to do what we could with two outs. HERE THEY GO AGAIN: Alexander Central softball headed to another state title series after 3-0 victory over North Buncombe. She led offThursday with a doubleand hit a solo home run later in the game, doing her part to make sure she had run support. Today North Carolina High School Softball, North Buncombe vs. A.C. ReynoldsBlack Hawks @ RocketsThe A.C. Reynold. "She knows what she wants, and she goes for it. North Buncombe's wins are by 4-0 and 4-1 scores. We're ready to jump on them.". The rest of the Black Hawksunderstand their role: Make the defensiveplays on the opponents that don't strike out and create enough runs to make sure Pickens' pitching doesn't go to waste. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). R-S Central High School. "You have to be completely zoned in on your game," Ferguson said. TAYLORSVILLE Alexander Central scored in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat East Rowan 1-0 in the third round of the 3A state softball . PLAYERS TO WATCH:23 key area athletes this postseason. Tournament Game 2022 NCHSAA Softball Championships 4A East Forsyth 3 Alexander Central 1 Final Box Score Tournament Bracket May 21, 2022 @ 3:01am 4-1 (W) Alexander Central vs. Providence The Black Hawks' lineup is focused on manufacturing runs however they can to support Pickens in the playoffs, and the formula worked in a 4-1 win over the Knights to advance to the third round of the 3A playoffs, Tuesday against Rockingham County. You can contact him athttps://linktr.ee/schristie2, Little League: Point Pleasant Beach 'in the drivers seat' for District 11 success, Little League softball tournaments schedule, results, NJ Little League: Point Pleasant Beach has 'unprecedented' moment, wins District 11 title, 'These boys were hungry': No stopping Toms River East Little League so far, https://www.app.com/story/sports/youth/little-league/2022/07/06/nj-little-league-2022-north-wall-blazing-a-path-in-district-11/65367585007/, 'This team doesn't have any quit': Point Pleasant Beach Little League stays alive, beats Milltown, https://www.app.com/story/sports/youth/little-league/2022/07/09/north-wall-high-octane-offense-fuels-little-league-district-11-title/65365854007/, NJ Little League: Toms River East 'smoked' home runs clinch win versus Sunnybrae, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Prepare for their battle against West Wilkes ( Millers Creek, NC gon na the. 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