The William Byrd softball team had a busy schedule in the past week, playing six games in nine days. The Terriers stand at 12-4 after winning their first 10 games of the season.
“We hit a slump and we will just have to beat our way out of it,” said Byrd coach Greg Barton. “I feel real good about this team and think we will have a good finish.”
The busy stretch started with an 8-7 loss to Staunton River in Vinton on May 2, followed by a 6-2 win at Franklin County on May 3. Mara Strum pitched a great game and hit a bomb over center field fence to help her cause as the Terriers avenged a prior loss to the Eagles.
Last Thursday the Terriers dropped a 5-4 decision to Lord Botetourt in Vinton. Byrd led 4-2 going into the sixth inning but LB scored four times and got out of town with a win.
“We have to give Mara run support and that didn’t happen,” said Barton.
After three days off the Terriers had a trip to Rockbridge on Monday where Byrd took a 4-2 loss. Megan Grant had a home run but otherwise the offense had an off night.
“We struggled against a slow pitcher and sometimes that happens,” said Barton. “We popped up on almost every at bat. We have to learn to adjust to a kid like that.”
On Tuesday the Terriers were back home to host Northside, and they came out on top of a 7-6 score. Byrd pounded out nine hits and Strum got the win in relief as Byrd came from behind.
“Hopefully we are back on track and will finish regular season strong,” said Barton.
The Terriers were scheduled to play at Alleghany Wednesday for their sixth game in nine days, but results were too late for publication.