DURHAM — The stage was set for an unforgettable showdown as the Eastern Regional Champion North Duplin Lady Rebels (18-2) faced the Western Regional Champion Roxboro Community Lady Bulldogs (23-3) in Game One of the NCHSAA 2A State Championship best-of-three series.
With both teams looking to establish momentum early in the championship round, fans were treated to a hard-fought battle filled with clutch defensive plays, tense moments, and late-game heroics. In the end, the Lady Rebels delivered when it mattered most, walking away with a dramatic 4-3 extra-inning victory.
Early Innings Feature Defensive Battle
The game opened with both teams locked in a defensive struggle, neither able to gain an early advantage.
Roxboro Community threatened at the top of the third inning after back-to-back walks to No. 43 Karrie Obie and No. 26 Lexi Powell put runners on base. However, North Duplin pitcher No. 7 Lilly Fulghum responded with a key strikeout of No. 33 Presley Leonard before No. 8 Ady Spence made a strong defensive catch to end the inning.
The Lady Rebels answered in the bottom half of the inning. No. 5 Wyllow Holmes opened with a hit but was thrown out at first by Lady Bulldogs first baseman No. 43 Karrie Obie. Later in the inning, No. 9 Marissa Bernal earned a walk, but Roxboro Community’s defense held strong to keep the game scoreless.
Lady Bulldogs Lead
Roxboro Community broke through in the fourth inning after loading the bases with a combination of hits and walks. With runners everywhere, No. 26 Lexi Powell delivered a clutch RBI single to bring home the game’s run and give the Lady Bulldogs a lead.
North Duplin looked to answer quickly in the bottom half. No. 1 Raegan Herring reached first on a clean line drive, but Roxboro Community turned a huge double play to escape further trouble and maintain the lead.
Momentum Swings Back and Forth
The fifth inning showcased strong defense from both teams. Roxboro Community’s No. 99 Karsyn Dodson energized the Lady Bulldogs with a double to center field, but North Duplin’s defense came through with several key catches to prevent additional damage.
The Lady Rebels continued battling offensively. No. 2 Gracelyn Higginbotham reached base with a perfectly placed bunt, but the Lady Bulldogs once again made the necessary defensive plays to preserve their advantage.
North Duplin then made a crucial pitching change, bringing in No. 2 Gracelyn Higginbotham, who immediately shut down Roxboro Community with three quick outs.
Lady Rebels Rally Late
In the bottom of the sixth inning, North Duplin finally found its spark.
No. 7 Lilly Fulghum ignited the crowd with a massive triple to center field, bringing the Lady Rebels fans to their feet. Moments later, No. 8 Ady Spence delivered a sacrifice hit that allowed the tying run to score, evening the game at 3-3.
The intensity only grew from there as both teams battled through a scoreless seventh inning, forcing extra innings in Game One of the championship series.
Walk-Off Winner Sends Fans Into Celebration
Roxboro Community threatened early in extra innings, but the Lady Rebels’ defense stood tall once again. Pitcher No. 2 Gracelyn Higginbotham struck out No. 43 Karrie Obie to end the top half of the inning and keep North Duplin alive.
Then came the moment the Lady Rebels had been waiting for.
At the bottom of the extra frame, No. 7 Lilly Fulghum worked a walk to get on base. With the crowd on edge, No. 8 Ady Spence stepped to the plate and delivered the game-winning RBI hit to center field, bringing No. 7 Lilly Fulghum home for the walk-off victory.
The North Duplin dugout erupted in celebration as the Lady Rebels secured a thrilling 4-3 win and took a 1-0 lead in the NCHSAA 2A State Championship series.
Final Score: North Duplin Lady Rebels 4, Roxboro Community Lady Bulldogs 3
Post Interview
After the game, I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Jaime Kylis about the team’s big win. Coach Jaime Kylis said the victory was important for building momentum heading into tomorrow’s game.
When asked about the dramatic walk-off win, with No. 8 Ady Spence at the plate and No. 7 Lilly Fulghum on first base, Coach Jaime Kylis reflected on what was going through her mind in that moment.
“As a coach, I told the team, ‘We’ve got this,’” Jaime Kylis said. “Having two seniors in that situation gave us confidence. No. 8 Ady Spence has been our hidden weapon for four years, and I believe in every one of my players to step up in big moments like this.”
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