The William Byrd softball team remained undefeated with two Blue Ridge District wins in the past week. The Terriers are 7-0 after winning at Staunton River last Thursday, 6-1, followed by a 13-0 win over William Fleming on Tuesday.
The Terriers played at Staunton River on Thursday as the game was moved up a day with the forecast calling for heavy rain on Friday. It was a jayvee-varsity doubleheader and the Terriers swept.
“I love the doubleheaders because I get to see the JV play,” said coach Greg Barton. “They had a big win and it was very exciting. It set the tone for the night.”
In the varsity game Byrd scored two in the first inning and never looked back. Alexis West started the first with a hit and led Byrd with three hits on the night. Megan Grant and Sydney Burton each had two hits and pitcher Mara Strum only gave up four hits while striking out 10 Golden Eagles.
“Mara is just pitching great,” said Barton. It helps knowing the defense behind her is solid and she can just concentrate on the batters. Alexis West, Megan Grant, and Sydney Burton are all red hot at the plate and they are three of the fastest kids around. Makes all of our jobs easier.”
On Tuesday Byrd hosted a weak William Fleming team and it was over quickly, as the Terriers scored 13 runs in the first inning before calling off the dogs, so to speak.
“ My goal coming into this game was to play some kids who haven’t had a lot of innings and to get 10 runs early and get it over with,” said Barton. “Fleming struggles but I respect them for showing up and trying. There is no need in scoring 30 runs against them. That proves nothing and my girls agreed with me. They showed class by not trying to score when we didn’t need to.”
Jada Karnes took the circle for the first time this season and pitched a one-hit shutout. She also had two hits to help her cause. Annalee Huber, Katie Fuchs and Burton all had multiple hits.
“Jada pitched great and she is strong with the bat,” said Barton. “She would be a starting pitcher on most any other team.”
The Terriers will put their unbeaten record on the line Friday at Northside. Next week they’re at Hidden Valley on Monday and home to Alleghany Tuesday in their final games before spring break.
