After earning a first-round bye in the 3A State Softball Playoffs, the James Kenan Lady Tigers entered the second round with plenty of momentum and history on their side. The Lady Tigers, coached by Brian Casteen, came into the matchup with an impressive 17-3 overall record and hosted a home playoff game for the first time in program history.
Standing in their way was a familiar conference rival, the Wallace-Rose Hill Lady Bulldogs, coached by Cory Lovelace. The Lady Bulldogs entered the contest with a 10-10 overall record and were looking to upset a James Kenan team that had already defeated them twice earlier in the season.
With playoff stakes at an all-time high, both teams battled in what turned into a competitive and emotional postseason showdown.
Strong Defensive Start by Both Teams
Wallace-Rose Hill came to the plate first and quickly got a runner aboard after a hit by No. 9 . James Kenan pitcher No. 8 Shylah Sloan and catcher No. 7 Kinzley Sloan helped keep the Lady Bulldogs from doing early damage, while the Lady Tigers’ defense stepped up with key outs, including a pop-up catch behind the plate by catcher No. 7 Kinzley Sloan.
James Kenan answered in the bottom half of the inning when No. 9 Ava Jones energized the home crowd with a double to start things off. However, Wallace-Rose Hill’s defense responded with back-to-back outs to end the threat and keep the game scoreless.
Pitching and Defense Shine Early
The second inning featured strong defensive play from both sides. James Kenan’s defense recorded consecutive throwouts, while pitcher No. 8 Shylah Sloan added a big strikeout to close the inning.
The Lady Tigers nearly broke through offensively when No. 2 Jovie Hall sent a hard hit toward right field, but Wallace-Rose Hill’s defense continued to make key plays to prevent a run.
In the third inning, Wallace-Rose Hill threatened with runners on base, but James Kenan catcher No. 7 Kinzley Sloan delivered a huge defensive play by throwing out a runner attempting to advance to third base.
Lady Tigers Strike First
James Kenan finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third inning. After No. 12 Scarlett Deluca reached base with a solid hit, No. 9 Ava Jones delivered a huge triple that brought in the game’s first run and gave the Lady Tigers a 1-0 lead.
The Lady Tigers looked to build momentum, but the Lady Bulldogs managed to escape the inning with consecutive outs to limit the damage.
Wallace-Rose Hill Responds with Big Inning
The Lady Bulldogs answered in the next inning with timely hitting. After several runners reached base, No. 8 Chloe Turner delivered a clutch hit to right field that brought home two runs and shifted the momentum in favor of Wallace-Rose Hill.
James Kenan continued to battle defensively, but Wallace-Rose Hill added more pressure in the fifth inning. A combination of hits, aggressive baserunning, and a double play opportunity helped the Lady Bulldogs extend their lead.
Lady Tigers Rally Late
James Kenan showed resilience in the sixth inning. Hits from No. 3 Peyton Ezzell, No. 12 Scarlett Deluca, and No. 9 Ava Jones helped load the bases, while No. 7 Kinzley Sloan earned a walk to keep the rally alive. No. 13 Jourdan Joe then delivered a line drive that brought another run home for the Lady Tigers.
Despite the momentum, Wallace-Rose Hill managed to limit further damage and held onto the lead heading into the final inning.
Meanwhile, James Kenan pitcher No. 8 Shylah Sloan kept the Lady Tigers within striking distance with three consecutive strikeouts in the top of the sixth inning, giving the home crowd hope for a late comeback.
Wallace-Rose Hill Closes Out the Victory
In the seventh inning, the Lady Tigers defense recorded key outs, including a catch by No. 4 Carmen Mahoney in left field and another defensive stop by No. 5 Sadie Casteen at first base.
Needing a rally in their final at-bat, James Kenan was unable to break through against the Lady Bulldogs defense. Wallace-Rose Hill secured the final out to end the game and advance in the playoffs.
Final Score: Wallace-Rose Hill Lady Bulldogs 5, James Kenan Lady Tigers 2
Post Interview
After the game, I had the opportunity to speak with James Kenan Lady Tigers Head Coach Brian Casteen. Coach Casteen stated, “We are so proud of our girls. This season was historic for us. The team had the mindset to change the culture of James Kenan softball, and they did just that.”
Coach Casteen also stated that all the credit goes to the seniors on the team. “They wanted to win, and we did just that,” he said.
Despite the loss, Coach Casteen shared that he “wouldn’t change anything about this year.”
Coach Casteen’s message to the Tigers fans was, “Thank you all for supporting this team day in and day out. The girls appreciated it, and they fed off the energy. Next year, we are hoping to continue this culture of Lady Tigers softball.”
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