Lady Comets win behind defense, pitching, hitting


Solid defense, clutch pitching and some long ball offense were all present in an important 3-1 win for the Halifax County High School varsity softball team over Jefferson Forest Friday.

Although the Cavaliers are under the AA classification, Jefferson Forest generally has a strong softball program, so this was a good early test for the Comets.

HCHS was on the road Saturday, playing Group AAA opponents Battlefield and Mountain View in another key barometer of the Comets’ overall program this season.

HCHS remained unbeaten with the win over the Cavaliers at home.

Jo Spencer, batting fourth in the lineup, blasted a two-run homer in the first, scoring VeVe Brandon, who had singled and stolen second.

Spencer’s blast provided a key difference for the Comets.

“When her confidence is on, she’s on,” said Comet coach Melanie Saunders. HCHS added an unearned run in the fourth.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Clark did another terrific job on the mound. Clark allowed one run in the sixth, but struck out six, while allowing five hits. The teams both played very competitive softball, and Jefferson Forest put some pressure on the Comets.

One of the key defensive moments for HCHS came in the top of the fourth.

Clark started a double play by getting the first out on a solid throw to first base after a single. A hustling Jamilia Smith rushed in from left field to tag out the second JF runner, although there were claims of interference by the visitors.

“Jamilia was heads up from left field and saw the girl coming around,” said Saunders.

“There were some questions as to interference, but I think the call was correct,” said Saunders. The DP really helped the Comets, she added.

“That’s the aggressiveness we normally have the whole game.”

Halifax added its third run in the bottom of the fourth. Spencer singled and moved to second on an defensive breakdown by JF. Jessie Bagbey put down a good bunt to get Spencer home.

The Cavaliers continued to apply pressure on Clark, and had runners at second and third in the top of the seventh, with the go-ahead runner at the plate. But the game ended on a fly ball out as the Comets preserved the win.

HCHS had not played in a week, and the Comets were rusty.

Halifax made some mistakes in the field and was not as aggressive as usual at the plate.

“We were very flat today,” said Saunders.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *