Lots of drama early in HVA softball season
MARYVILLE —- Throughout the 2017 season the Hardin Valley Academy softball team has made a habit of making comebacks
and winning games in dramatic fashion.
Last week was full of heroics for the Lady Hawks, having to come from behind to notch a 10-9 victory over Maryville Tuesday, March 28.
It was HVA’s second dramatic win against the Lady Rebels this season.
Hardin Valley fell behind again against William Blount Thurs-day, March 30. The Lady Governors would ultimately notch a 3-2 10-inning victory but Lady Hawks head coach Whitney Hickam-Cruze certainly wasn’t about to complain about her team’s effort.
“We’ve come from behind four times this season,” Hickam-Cruze said after the heartbreaking loss to the Lady Governors. “The girls have shown a lot of heart and they don’t quit.
“They keep fighting and this game will definitely give us something to build on,” she added. “They don’t fold but they just need to be more consistent. We have to be more consistent if we’re going to win another [district] championship.”
At William Blount, the Lady Hawks [6-3 overall, 2-1 in District 4-AAA starting the week] were down late but scored the tying run with two outs in the top of the seventh.
It was freshman first baseman Mariah Hall who knocked in the run that knotted the game 2-2.
Hall had two hits against the Lady Governors and her tying hit would eventually send the game into extra innings.
Hickam-Cruze said Hall has been a consistent contributor.
“She’s been pretty consistent for us and she’s been really consistent for a freshman,” Hickam-Cruze said about her rookie infielder.
The Lady Hawks played solid defense in Blount County and HVA got a solid pitching performance from sophomore hurler Emalee McCord.
Offensively, however, the Lady Hawks had their struggles at William Blount. Hardin Valley left 15 runners on base and left the bases loaded twice.
Defensively, however, the Lady Hawks were flawless and McCord pitched a complete game with 11 strikeouts while surrendering three runs and six hits.
“Emalee really pitched a
great game,” Hickam-Cruze said. “Defensively, we didn’t have any errors and that was good to see.
“But we left 15 runners on base and left the bases loaded twice.”
The Lady Hawks returned to the diamond Friday, March
31, when they took on Anderson County. Hardin Valley came up
on the short end of another 3-2 decision.
HVA, which got a homer and a double from Mikaela Chavis, lost thanks to a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh.
