Suffolk News-Herald

It was a big day for the newcomers in Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s 8-1, five-inning scrimmage victory over visiting Indian River. While sophomore Jessica Little was fighting off the Lady Brave offense, freshmen Katie Byrd, Elyse Edwards, Sarah Bangley and Megan Patterson were scoring and/or knocking in six of the team’s runs before darkness sent everyone home early.

After a bases-loaded single by Lindsey Jarman brought Ann-Taylor Spain, Byrd and Ashley Winslow in for a 3-0 first-inning lead, Little went to defensive work.

&uot;I was nervous because this was my first varsity game,&uot; said Little, a member of the junior varsity squad that won the 2001-2 TCIS title. &uot;But it was basically the same competition. I think I’ll feel a little less nervous at my next game.&uot;

The Lady Saints added to their lead in the third. Little opened the inning with a single, but she was thrown out at third when Edwards reached on an error. Edwards stole second, and scored on a single to centerfield by Bangley.

With one out in the fourth, Jennifer Keeter singled for Indian River, and Kate DeLima drove a one-bagger into centerfield. But Winslow fought off the Lady Brave attack when she scooped up an Ashley Brewer grounder and fired to Mary Speight at second, who tagged Keeter to end the inning.

But River finally spoiled the shutout in the next inning. Mar’Rizza Ramirez got things started with a single, stole second, and reached third when Jenny Wilbur grounded out. Ashley Riddick singled to centerfield, and Ramirez cut the lead to 4-1.

Edwards singled to right in the bottom of the inning, and Caroline Parker bunted her to second. Edwards stole third, and Bangley drew a walk. Edwards scored on a passed ball, and Bangley stole her way home for a 6-1 lead. Patterson and Spain walked, and Byrd singled Patterson home. Spain then scored on a passed ball, and the umpires decided that it was getting too dark to continue.

The Lady Saints open their season Monday at Tidewater Academy, and return home Tuesday to face Manteo.