The William Byrd softball team will put their unbeaten record on the line Friday night when the Terriers host Staunton River in Vinton.
Byrd is 10-0 after downing two more opponents in the past week. Last Thursday in Vinton the girls beat Salem, 7-1. The Spartans scored an early run off Jada Karnes but she settled down and it was all Byrd after that. Karnes gave up three hits and fanned seven.
“The game started slowly and we were not focused,” said coach Greg Barton. “Jada was struck in the head with a ball in warm up and I was pretty concerned along with our kids. It just started out bad and took us all a few innings to shake it off.”
Byrd finished with 15 hits, including big hits by Mara Strum, Megan Grant , Sydney Burton and Karnes. Megan Grant played a great game at short for Byrd.
“Megan Grant were instrumental in keeping Salem off the bases,” said Barton. “A couple of those plays by Megan were just amazing. Nobody else plays shortstop like Megan. She is simply the best I’ve ever coached.”
Byrd played a Blue Ridge Distrit game at William Fleming on Tuesday and it was a mismatch, as the Terriers took a 14-1 win. Byrd had 15 hits again with three each by Alexis West, Strum and Karnes. The Terriers lit up Fleming for 11 first inning runs and Strum cruised to the win.
“My game plan against Fleming is always the same,” said Barton. “We score our 10 runs and take our foot off the gas; no stealing, bunting or extra bases. We are not about humiliating anyone. Those kids from Fleming don’t deserve that.”
Byrd will open a run of four games in five days this Friday when the Terriers host Staunton River. On Saturday Franklin County is here for a makeup doubleheader, with the jayvees opening at 1 pm, then Byrd plays Cave Spring at home with the varsity at 6:30 pm Monday before traveling to Lord Botetourt Tuesday.
