Both the Fort Mill and Catawba Ridge softball programs won their District titles Friday night taking two different approaches.
The Copperheads needed to win just one game against Greer in the 4A District I championship and did so in convincing fashion 10-0. Chloe Burger pitched a complete game shutout and struck out 10 as she has yet to allow a run in three games during the district playoffs.
Catawba Ridge jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. They score two runs in the first inning and then scored six runs in the third inning to put the game out of reach. The Copperheads plated their final two runs in the fourth as they have beaten Greer this season by a combined score of 41-2 in three games.
Catawba Ridge will open their best of three series for the Upper State championship Monday against Lugoff-Elgin. They will travel to Lugoff-Elgin Wednesday for game two and if necessary, game three would be Friday. Catawba Ridge is now 21-7 overall this season.
Fort Mill punched their ticket to the 5A Upper State title game by sweeping Dorman in a doubleheader on the road. The Jackets won game one 4-2 in eight innings and then rallied to win game two 4-3.
Fort Mill pounded out 10 hits in the first game as Maddie Drerup pitched a complete game allowing just four hits and two runs while striking out three. Ally Hall led the Jackets at the plate going 2-4 with two RBI.
In game two, Dorman went up 3-0 through three innings, but Fort Mill scored four runs in the top of the fourth to take the lead and held on to win. Drerup pitched the first five inning, and allowed three runs on five hits to get the win. Hall pitched the final two innings and struck out three to get the save.
Ava Balsinger went 1-4 with two RBI for Fort Mill and Brynn Bartolini went 2-4 with an RBI. Sydnie Spears also had an RBI in the win in game two.
Fort Mill will now enter a three-game series against Byrnes with game one being at Fort Mill Monday. Game two will be at Byrnes on Wednesday. The Jackets are now 17-4 overall on the season.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
