The William Byrd softball team made a statement on Tuesday. The Terriers shut out a strong Lord Botetourt team, 10-0, in a slaughter-rule shortened game in Vinton.

Botetourt came in at 4-1, having lost only to Liberty and their Clemson-bound pitcher, Millie Thompson. On Tuesday, Byrd pitcher Mara Strum proved to be equally tough to hit as she flipped a one-hitter while fanning seven Cavaliers.

The Terriers scored the only run they would need in the bottom of the first, then added three more in the third inning for a 4-0 lead.

“The way Mara was throwing I felt pretty confident with that kind of lead we could pull it out. said Byrd coach Greg Barton. “She pitched a great game.”

Byrd increased the lead to 7-0 in the fourth inning, highlighted by a two run homer by Jada Karnes. The Terriers then put it away with three in the bottom of the fifth to win the game by slaughter rule, a decisive win over a district opponent that was expected to give them a tough game.

“This was the game everyone was waiting on, kind of a test,” said Barton. “They(LB) are a very good team and loaded with talent. It was a big win for my girls.”

Strum, Karnes, Megan Grant Katie Fuchs and Sydney Burton all had multiple hits and runs batted in.

The Terriers, now 8-0, will be back in action tonight with a home game against Salem. Next Tuesday they’re at William Fleming and on April 17 they host Staunton River in a jayvee-varsity doubleheader.