Southern Wayne senior Gracie Hinson scores ahead of the tag by Spring Creek catcher Heather Alexander during early-inning action Friday afternoon at “The Swamp.” (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Spring Creek right-hander Emily Williams hurls a pitch toward the plate against Spring Creek. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
First-year Spring Creek head softball coach Chad Kirby, right, talks with Sarah Kirby, middle, and Jazmine Valentine during a second-inning timeout. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Southern Wayne’s Emma Kornegay has the softball buried underneath as she safely took third base on a throw. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
SEVEN SPRINGS — Two county softball rivals hungry to establish some early-season momentum clashed in “The Swamp” on an overcast Friday evening.
Spring Creek erased its goose egg in the “W” column with a 15-11 conquest over Southern Wayne, which departed 0-3.
Sarah Kirby (two RBI), Emalia West and senior Jasmine Valentine cranked out two hits apiece for the Gators. Angela Billareal (RBI), winning pitcher Emily Williams, Gianna Evans and Kylie Conpropst each collected one hit.
Vanessa Duruytta and junior catcher Heather Alexander scored twice.
Williams scattered 10 hits, yielded five earned runs, walked five and retired 10 Saints on strikeouts during her complete-game stint inside the circle. The Pitt Community College signee threw 147 pitches.
The Gators (1-2 overall) benefited from 10 walks, two hit batters and several passed balls.
Sophomore Regan Stribble (two RBI) and senior Gracie Hinson pounded out three hits apiece. Hinson stole a career-high five bases and scored four runs.
Catcher Emma Kornegay batted 2-for-3. Designated hitter Mckenzie Strickland mashed a home run in four at-bats, while Laura Summerlin ended the day 1-for-4 with an RBI.
Morgan Brimberry endured the mound loss. The right-hander allowed nine hits, issued nine free passes, surrendered seven earned runs and struck out six Spring Creek hitters. She threw 132 pitches in 5 2/3 innings.
Jaycee Hargrove recorded the final out.
Spring Creek hits the road Tuesday at Hobbton and entertains Northern Nash the following evening.
Southern Wayne returns to action March 12 at home against Quad County 3A foe East Wake.
