On Thursday, the Lady Elks softball team were presented with an opportunity to move up in the conference rankings. They had been ranked third in the 1A Northwest Conference since losing to South Stokes, 3-1, on April 2. They had known that they would need a win to tie with the Sauras for second place. That is until the Sauras lost earlier in the week to North Stokes. This gave the Elks the unique opportunity to solely take the second place finish and gave the team all the motivation and drive they needed. The Elks took an early lead and never looked back, rolling past the Sauras 7-2, securing the second place conference finish.
The Lady Elks started out strong as they got on the board early in the bottom of the first inning after senior Macy Lane hit a solid double to center field and then senior teammate Leah White hit a homerun over the left field fence, each scoring two runs. The Elks would not score again for the next four innings. The Sauras managed to get on the board in the top of the third inning on a home run to left field with one player on base, bringing the score to 4-2.
But the Elks finished the game, much as they had begun it. In the bottom of the sixth inning, with two players on base, senior pitcher Lily Robbins hit a home run to center field scoring three more runs for the Elks. The Elks would hold the Sauras in the top of the 7th inning to end the game 7-2.
Robbins led her team with a strong performance from the mound. She struck out 11 batters and only allowed 3 hits over seven innings. Sophomore Mackenzie White led the Elks with two hits in three turns at bat.
When asked his thoughts on the game, Elkin head coach Jon Symons had one word to share. “Vindication. After our earlier loss to South Stokes, this win feels good. The girls worked hard and were ready to play. Let’s hope some of this momentum will move forward with us into the conference tournament next week.”
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, April 23, the Elks had easily dispatched the Bears of Mount Airy 12-0. Both Robbins and relief pitcher, senior Karly Gentry had five strike-outs each with no walks. Lane led her team with 3 runs batted in. The clean-up batter went 1-for-2 on the day. Senior Maggie Tomlin, freshman Aiden Byrd, Lane, Robbins and M. White each collected one hit for the Elks. The Elks were patient as they accumulated 12 walks for the game. Tomlin, Lane and White each stole multiple bases for the Elks with a total of eight stolen bases for the game.
Elkin will battle once again with Alleghany in the opening round of the conference tournament. The Elks will host the Trojans at Crater Park in Elkin. Game time is set at 7 p.m.
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