Locked in a dogfight for the first time during the ENC Babe Ruth State tournament, the Washington 12U All-Stars proved they could grind out a game as they edged past the Laurinburg All-Stars 2-1 in their first bracket contest of the tourney.
“We played a quality opponent. (Laurinburg) had good pitching and hit the ball really well and their coaches had their players run the bases really well, but our team went out there and was able to get a few runs early,” Washington coach Dallis Tucker said. “Our pitching kept us in the game, thank goodness. Rebekah (Williams) had all her cylinders firing today and our catcher Emme Davis made some good snap throws from the catch position. It took a total team effort.
“Our girls talked about the intensity in the dugout. They were kind of energized and could feel the level of intensity in there. Thank goodness they felt it and responded well.”
Washington scored two crucial runs early and locked down for the rest of the game to hold off a solid Laurinburg team.
Williams rocketed an RBI double in the first inning that scored Abbigail Tucker to go up 1-0. In the second, Grace Lassiter struck for an RBI single that plated Kaitlyn Spain to extend the lead to 2-0.
Lassiter also made a nice catch in left field and gunned the ball back into the infield to keep a Laurinburg runner at third base in the third inning.
“(Lassiter) is batting near the bottom of our lineup but she’s carrying a big stick and driving in runs,” Tucker said. “It’s such a pleasure to have great athletes and great kids who can hit from the top to the bottom (of the lineup).”
Laurinburg threatened throughout the game but a solid effort from Williams, who pitched a complete game, and the defense allowed Washington to avoid a bracket loss.
“Rebekah’s a phenomenal athlete an she works hard on her trade,” Tucker said. “She pitches all the time in practice and hits the ball really well. She’s a total package and a great kid to have on our team.”
The All-Stars played again Saturday night in a game that ended past deadline.

Laurinburg    000    010    —    1
Washington    110    000    —    2
WP: Rebekah Williams; LP: Kate Lighthrell
Hitting: L — Lindsay Hunter 1-3, Macie Gibson 2-4 (1R), Kate Lighthrell 3-3, Morgan Hatchell 1-3; W — Mary Baylor Dixon 1-1. Abbigail Tucker 1-3 (1R), Rebekah Williams 1-2 (2B, RBI), Grace Lassiter 1-1 (RBI), Kaitlyn Spain 1-2 (R, 2B), Blake Swanner 1-3.