CALYPSO — The North Duplin Lady Rebels wasted no time establishing control, using early execution and timely hitting to secure a 6–2 win over the Rosewood Lady Eagles. From the opening inning, the Lady Rebels combined solid defense with opportunistic offense to seize momentum and never look back.
Rosewood came to the plate first but struggled to find rhythm. After a strikeout to open the game, a pop-up to center field was cleanly handled by North Duplin’s No. 8 Ady Spence. Although No. 12 Hayley Bedford and No. 8 Marley Parrish managed back-to-back base hits to put runners on, the Lady Rebels shut the door with a key out to end the inning. North Duplin at bat quickly capitalized in the bottom half of the first. No. 2 Gracelyn Higginbotham showed patience at the plate, drawing a walk, and No. 5 Wyllow Holmes followed with a base hit. Although No. 9 Marissa Bernal was thrown out at first, the play allowed a run to score, giving the Lady Rebels a 1–0 lead. Moments later, No. 7 Lilly Fulghum added another RBI despite being put out, extending the advantage to 2–0 before the inning closed.
Defensive Highlights Keep Eagles Grounded
The Lady Rebels’ defense proved critical through the middle innings. In the second, a sharp play by No. 25 Bernal Gizelle at third base and a diving catch by No. 30 Hannah Gonzales helped shut down a potential Rosewood rally. North Duplin continued to make key plays in the field, preventing the Lady Eagles from capitalizing on scattered hits and walks.
Meanwhile, both teams battled in the second inning offensively, but strong pitching and defensive execution kept additional runs off the board.
Pitching and Timely Plays Maintain Control
As the game progressed, North Duplin maintained composure. In the third inning, both teams managed base runners, but neither could convert into runs. The Lady Rebels’ pitcher No. 7 Lilly Fulghum recorded crucial strikeouts, halting Rosewood’s momentum when it threatened to build.
North Duplin added another run later in the game after a double by No. 11 Sara Smith set up a scoring opportunity, pushing the lead further ahead.
Late Surge Seals the Win
A pivotal moment came when the Lady Rebels extended their lead with a powerful offensive burst. After No. 2 Gracelyn Higginbotham reached base on balls and No. 5 Wyllow Holmes singled, No. 7 Lilly Fulghum delivered a clutch hit to center field, driving in two runs. No. 11 Sara Smith followed with another key hit to bring in an additional run, giving North Duplin a commanding lead.
Eagles Show Fight, But Rebels Finish Strong
Rosewood managed to get on the scoreboard in the final inning, plating two runs and showing resilience. However, the Lady Rebels responded with poise, recording the final outs with back-to-back catches by No. 7 Lilly Fulghum to end the game.
Final Score: North Duplin Lady Rebels 6, Rosewood Lady Eagles 2
Post Game interview
After the game, I had a chance to speak with North Duplin Head Coach Jaime Kylis. She stated, “The girls started off very hot with a great approach at the batter’s box, and we had great ball movement throughout the game.”
North Duplin showcased strong defensive play, including huge, game-saving catches by No. 30 Hannah Gonzales and No. 1 Raegan Herring. Their efforts helped keep the game in the Rebels’ favor.
Coach Kylis also shared a message for North Duplin fans: “We are so proud that you all come out and support the team. It’s always a great atmosphere in the crowd. We’re a fun team to watch, and we’re excited to see everyone continue to come out and support us in the final weeks of conference play and into the playoffs.”
Thank you to Head Coach Jaime Kylis, Assistant Coach Steve Kylis, the Lady Rebels, and Rebel Nation for allowing the Mount Olive Tribune to cover the game. Best of luck in the final weeks of conference play.
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