The Catawba Ridge Copperheads softball team ran through Northwestern like a hot knife through butter with a 20-2 win to finish their Region 3-4A schedule undefeated.
Catawba Ridge is now 18-3 overall on the season and will most likely open the playoffs against either Laurens or Wade Hampton.
This year’s team was the first in the brief school history to finish the region undefeated in softball with a 10-0 record.
“I think we are ready,” said Catawba Ridge head coach Michael Kidd. “We can’t let any rust set in. We have to stay sharp. They are focused and locked in. Consistency equals success.”
The Copperheads were consistent against Northwestern as they scored the 20 runs on 11 hits and were aided by six Northwestern errors in the game.
Catawba Ridge started conservatively scoring four runs on three hits in the opening inning, but then scored 16 runs on eight hits in the second inning to blow the game open as it was stopped after three innings because of the mercy rule.
Catawba Ridge pitcher Chloe Burger didn’t allow a hit, but walked six people and struck out eight in the three innings she pitched. Both of Northwestern’s runs were unearned.
At the plate, Jaidyn Harris went 2-3 with a two-run home run and a four RBI night and Sarah Rocheleau also had a two-run home run in the game, as every Copperhead scored at least one run. Kendra Murray went 2-3 as well with a triple and two RBI and Sophia Barr had two RBI also.
Catawba Ridge has one more regular season game against Clover May 1st.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
