The Latta Lady Vikings sailed to a 9-2 win over the visiting East Clarendon Wolverines in varsity softball action played in Latta on Wednesday, May 8.
Latta got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second inning with 4 runs. Rayne Nolan hit one in the gap between right and center for a single Jesselyn Bryant hit a grounder to second and arrived safely at first due to a throwing error. Lauren Webster garnered a walk after fouling quite a few pitches. Arica Gandy hit one down the right field line for a single and a rbi to get Latta on the scoreboard.
Jena Stutler hit one to third and arrived safely on fielder’s choice.
A run scored in the process. Jayla Jackson hit one over second for a single and a rbi.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Jayla Jackson connected for a lead-off single to second. Riana Green had a sac bunt to move Jackson to second. Rayne Nolan popped one up over second that was bobbled.
Jesselyn Bryant lined one to left for a single and a rbi. Lauren Webster dropped one into right for a single and a rbi. Arica Gandy hit one to second that was an out due to a great catch. However, a run scored.
East Clarendon’s Elly Floyd hit a grounder to deep short and arrived safely at first. Amanda Floyd had a sac bunt to advance the runner to second. Hannah Hickman hit one to center for a single. A run scored on a passed ball.
Latta added 2 more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
East Clarendon added a run in the top of the seventh inning.
Jayla Jackson picked up the win. She pitched 7 innings and allowed 6 hits, walked 1, struck out 5, and allowed 2 earned runs.
Maddie Newsome was charged with the loss. She pitched 6 innings and allowed 10 hits, 3 walks, struck out 1, and allowed 9 runs of which 3 were earned.
East Clarendon committed 3 errors in the game while Latta committed only 1 error.
Latta’s Jayla Jackson had 2 singles, a walk, 2 rbi, and scored a run in her 4 plate appearances. Arica Gandy had 2 singles, 2 rbi, and scored a run in her 3 at-bats. Rayne Nolan had a double, a single, 2 rbi, and scored 2 runs in her 4 at-bats. Kaleigh Caulder had 2 singles, a walk, and scored a run in her 4 plate appearances.
Jesselyn Bryant had a single, a rbi, and scored 2 runs in her 4 at-bats. Lauren Webster had a single, a walk, and a rbi in her 4 plate appearances. Kaylah Davis had a rbi and scored a run in her 2 at- bats. Jena Stutler scored a run.
East Clarendon’s Hope Azurdia had 2 singles and scored a run in her 3 at-bats. Katie Lee had a single and a walk in her 3 plate appearances. Kinsley Driggers and Hannah Hickman each had a single in each’s 3 at-bats. Elly Floyd had a single and scored a run in her 4 a-bats.
East Clarendon ends the season with 16 wins and 11 losses.
Latta has won 17 games and lost 7 this season.
Latta traveled to Andrews on Friday, May 10, for the Class 2 A lower state playoffs.
