R-H varsity softball plagued by injuries

Published 11:08 am Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Randolph-Henry High School’s varsity softball team has been looking for its second win of the season amid a sea of injuries that have added to its on-field challenges.

The Lady Statesmen entered their home game Tuesday against Chatham High School with a 1-6 record.

“My coaching staff and I are starting back with basic skills in helping (our players) develop confidence in themselves in hitting and defensive skills,” Randolph-Henry Head Coach Amy Hamlett said. “This season has been a tough one especially in the injury department. We have lost four major players during the season because of injuries, which has hurt us tremendously. The girls that are playing are working hard to learn and play multiple positions.”

On April 12, the Lady Statesmen were shut out against host Nottoway High School, falling 20-0.

“We struggled the whole entire time with hitting and confidence,” Hamlett said. “The game was finished in five innings.”

In a game two days prior, Randolph-Henry showed it can be competitive, losing to visiting Cumberland High School but getting on the scoreboard a fair amount. The final score was 14-8.

“We were hitting the ball and getting on, but we could not find the repetitive key hits we needed to bring in girls,” Hamlett said. “We ended up leaving bases loaded three times, and we left girls on six times, which could have been runs.”

Freshman Alyssa Rapole started the game in the circle for the Lady Statesmen, and senior Kimberly Horsfall relieved her.

Recording three hits apiece on offense were freshman Leighan Payne, junior Shelby Meyers, junior Hannah Pasciuta and Rapole. Junior Casey Arrington and Horsfall each registered one hit.

Randolph-Henry visits Central Lunenburg High School on Thursday, with the first pitch set for 5 p.m.