SOFTBALL: McLawhorn gives Pride a gem, win

BRIDGEWATER — Pitcher Sam McLawhorn dominated in the circle, pitching a one-hitter while the defense twirled a gem in the field to help Riverheads take down Wilson Memorial 2-1 Tuesday night to reach the Shenandoah District title game.

“This is the first game all season that we haven’t had an error,” Riverheads coach Jenn Colvin said. “I always say that defense wins game, and defense won the game for us today.”

The defense did just that as McLawhorn threw a no-hitter until the sixth inning while striking out eight, forcing most batters to put the ball in play.

Kristian Carden hit a pitch out across the plate into right field when the Gladiator outfielder ran all the way in to preserve the no-no, but the ball fell just out of reach hitting off the webbing of her glove.

“We lost to them last time 8-2,” Colvin added. “We came out with something to prove today and I think we did that.”

McLawhorn received all the offense she needed in the fourth inning when Johnna Herndon led off the inning with a single.

After Kelsey Grimm reached on an error by the centerfielder, Brittany Dotson hit the ball to center.

The outfielder threw home to keep the runner from trying to score but the throw went high and into the netting allowing Herndon to score the first run of the game.

Katie Coffey grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Grimm from third.

The Hornets would not go down without a fight though the “green machine” rallied in the top of the sixth.

Emily Austin walked to start the inning. After Carden singled and reached second on the throw in to third, Sammy Parker plated Wilson’s only run with a sacrifice fly to left field.

“Our sticks just weren’t happening for us,” Wilson coach Kim Claytor said. “They didn’t give up, but it was a little too close to the end to start what we did.”

Riverheads will face Page County Thursday afternoon at Bridgewater College to play for the Shenandoah District tournament championship.