Sonoraville downs Banks County 10-2 to advance at State for first time ever
— The Sonoraville softball team is going where no previous Lady Phoenix squad has gone before.
After splitting with Banks County in the first two games of their Class AAA State Tournament first- round series on Wednesday, the Lady Phoenix came up clutch on Thursday, using a big offensive effort and strong pitching and defense to roll to a 102 victory and send the team to the second round for the first time in program history.
Sonoraville coach Chad Hayes said in the moments following the win, he just let the players enjoy the milestone accomplishment.
“I kind of stood in the dugout a few minutes and watched the girls celebrate,” said Hayes. “To get that firstround monkey off our back was a huge relief. We have steadily built this program into a solid program, and we want to take that next step to become an elite program. It is programchanging honestly, and now we are looking to make it to Columbus.”
Sonoraville ( 18- 14) trailed 2-1 going to the fourth inning, but the offense exploded in the top half of the frame, scoring eight runs to take control of the game. They added one more in the fifth before closing out Banks County in the bottom half to earn the mercy- rule shortened win.
The Lady Phoenix got production from up and down the lineup in the win. They were led by Abby Connally, who finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs. Four other players had two hits, including Harleigh Chastain who drove in two runs and scored two of her own, Griffin Holden who had two RBIs, Thaley Jackson who had a double and an RBI and Erin Whitlock who drove in a run, stole two bases and scored two runs. Kolbey Smith also had a double and a run scored.
Hayes said the way his team fought back like they have several times this season was incredible to see in such a big game.
“I felt like we were in the same situation as Game 1 (on Wednesday),” said Haye. “We were playing tight and playing not to lose instead of playing our game. The girls were loose and ready prior to the game, and we just needed to weather the early storm so to speak.
“It is tough being on the road in the playoffs. I challenged them after the third inning to pick it up and play to their ability, and they responded in a big way. This team just battles and has found ways to win down the stretch that past teams would have had trouble finding. I couldn’t be more proud of this group.”
Kristen Davis earned the win in the circle, pitching all five innings and giving up two runs (both unearned) on four hits while striking out four.
The Lady Phoenix took an early lead on Thursday, with Holden singling in Whitlock in the first inning. Banks County (17-9) then rallied to take the lead in the third with two runs, one coming on an RBI-single from Abby Baird. She had one of the four hits for the Lady Leopards, along with Mallory Parson, Jaycie Bowen and Abby Ledford.
But Sonoraville responded right back with the eight-run fourth. The Lady Phoenix have overcome adversity several times over the last couple weeks, including scoring two runs to rally for final- inning win over Coahulla Creek to clinch their State berth and then coming back to beat Banks County 4-0 in Game 2 on Wednesday after falling 3-2 in Game 1.
Hayes said the way his team has fought to keep their season alive recently has been impressive to watch.
“It has definitely been a wild ride,” said Hayes.
“You have to overcome adversity sometimes to get what you want, and we have definitely had to do that the last few weeks. I think the senior leadership has really come through. Those seniors have really stepped up in some clutch situations both offensively and defensively.”