NSA advances to championship
Published 10:22 pm Thursday, May 11, 2017
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s softball team has advanced to the TCIS championship game with a win over Cape Henry Collegiate Wednesday.
NSA will face Greenbrier Christian Academy at home for the TCIS tournament championship. NSA has defeated its first two opponents in the championship by a combined 40-1 score. The Lady Saints defeated Cape Henry 17-1 in the semifinal.
NSA jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first inning.
Reese Byrd, Emerson Puzey and Delaney Taylor handled pitching duties. Byrd was awarded the win, and she is now 12-0 on the season. They all combined for a no-hitter.
Taylor finished the game 2-3 at the plate with three runs and three RBIs. Addy Greene went 2-2, with three runs, and Gabby Infranco went 2-3 with three RBIs.
The Lady Saints went undefeated in conference play in the regular season, but they have a renewed focus in the postseason.
“We have been having an extremely good season, but we know we are not done yet,” Taylor said. “A championship won’t come easy, but I think every single girl is all in and completely committed to this team. Having everyone buy in is what will give us the edge that we need. We are all focused, because we know it is going to be difficult.”
For much of the season, Greenbrier was ranked No. 1 in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association’s poll. But NSA won their match-up on Apr. 27 by a score of 10-0.
The Lady Saints know that GCA will come with its best, but they will be ready, as well.
“They’re always good competition,” Madi Currin said. “We have the same focus and mentality for every game, because every game is important. We want to bring our A game.”
NSA 17, Cape Henry 1
NSA 10 0 3 4—17
CHC 0 0 0 1 0—1
NSA: Hits 13—Infranco 2, Taylor 2, Greene 2, Groves, Turner, Chang, Goodman, Wilson, Puzey, Currin; Runs 17—Groves 3, Taylor 3, Greene 3, Turner 2, Puzey 2, Chang, Infranco, Wilson, Currin; RBI 13—Infranco 3, Taylor 3, Wilson 2, Turner, Elswick, Chang, Puzey, Currin
Pitching win: Reese Byrd
CHC: Run 1–Moore