The William Byrd softball team can clinch at least a tie for the Blue Ridge District regular season title with a win over Staunton River in Moneta Friday.

Byrd is 17-1 overall but tied with Lord Botetourt in the Blue Ridge District standings with one loss each. The two teams split during the season, and Botetourt will be heavily favored to finish the regular season with a win at home against Northside this Friday. The Cavaliers beat the Vikings in a prior game at Northside, 17-0.

If LB and Byrd tie for the regular season the Terriers will likely get the top seed for the coming district tournament. If they go by head-to-head, Byrd won 10-0 and LB’s win was 2-1. Byrd also has a much better regular season record.

“I don’t know what the criteria is but we’d like to be considered regular season champs,” said Byrd coach Greg Barton. “It doesn’t mean anything as far as the post-season, but it would be nice.”

The Terriers had no trouble with the two Roanoke City schools in the past week, defeating Patrick Henry on the road last Thursday, 12-2, then hammering William Fleming on Tuesday in Vinton, 12-0.

Jada Karnes pitched a three-hitter against PH and Megan Grant had three hits. Ellasen Spangler had two hits, including a two-run homer, and Sydney Burton also had two hits.

Against Fleming, Mara Strum and Karnes combined on a five inning no-hitter. Abby Spotswood and Analee Huber had two hits and two runs batted apiece. Grant drove in three runs and Lexi Powell also had two runs batted in.

Friday’s game in Moneta will be a doubleheader, with the jayvees starting at 4:30 pm and the varsity to follow. Staunton River will also be the site of the Blue Ridge District tournament next week.

“I like playing at Staunton River,” said Barton. “It’s nice field and it’s a good atmosphere.”