Panthers win on Cherry’s blast

Published 8:20 pm Friday, May 31, 2024

By Steve Barnes

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Senior Emaleigh Cherry smacked a two-ball two-strike pitch over the left field wall in the fifth inning to put Northside one victory away from a state championship with a 3-0 victory over East Wilkes in the opening game of the 1A finals Friday evening at the Duke Softball Stadium.

Megan Hopkins started the inning with a double to deep center field, then Taylor Willard drew a one-out walk to bring Cherry to the plate.

“I was nervous because I hadn’t been reading the ball well out of the pitcher’s hand,” Cherry said. “I took a deep breath and just put the bat on the ball. I knew it was out as soon as I hit it.”

The Panthers (22-4) banged out nine hits in support of Jaden Clark, who pitched a complete game three-hitter.

“She picked a great time to pitch her best game of the season,” Northside coach Keith Boyd said. “Her defense made some outstanding plays behind her, and Emaleigh came up with a clutch hit.

Jorden Clark and Hopkins each had a double and finished with two hits, while Samantha Braddy had a pair of singles. Jaden Clark also had a hit.

The Panthers can clinch the 1A state title with a victory in Saturday’s second game, which begins at 11 a.m. at the Duke Softball Stadium.

More Sports

Byrd back on field after Bath boating accident

Post 15 finishes third in state tournament

Post 15 battles through state tournament

Whitecaps outswim Ayden

Print Article

SportsPlus

  • Polls

    Which U.S. Olympian are you most excited to see compete?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...