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Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is just two victories away from securing its sixth consecutive VISAA Division II state softball championship. The Saints will face Cape Henry Collegiate in the state semifinal Thursday, May 15, at 3 p.m. at the Dinwiddie Sports Complex in Sutherland.

NSA advanced to the semifinal with a 14-0 win over Atlantic Shores Christian in the quarterfinals on May 12, extending their winning streak to 15 games. The Saints previously defeated Cape Henry 18-0 on April 17 and will look to repeat that dominant performance to earn a spot in Friday’s championship game.

If NSA wins Thursday, it will face either Fredericksburg Christian or Isle of Wight Academy in the final. NSA has already defeated both teams this season—7-2 over Fredericksburg Christian on March 22 and 1-0 over Isle of Wight Academy on May 1.

NSA’s offense is led by Addy Smith, who enters the semifinal hitting .470 with 66 runs scored and five home runs on the season. With an on-base percentage of .542 and 23 RBI, Smith’s ability to reach base and create scoring opportunities has been key to the Saints’ success.

Coming in with a .469 average, Mali Groves with also play a pivotal role at the plate. Sophia Grant (.411 and Zoe Carpenter (.403) have provided clutch hits throughout the season. 

While the Saints’ bats have grabbed headlines, their pitching staff has been equally impressive and could prove to be the difference in securing another title.

Marin McGowan has been dominant in the circle, pitching 65.2 innings with a 1.06 ERA and 137 strikeouts. She’s held opponents to just 26 hits and owns a 5.4 strikeout-to-walk ratio, striking out nearly half the batters she’s faced. With only one loss on the season, McGowan will likely be the key to finishing strong.

Coming in relief, Smith has also held it down in the circle with 48 innings pitched and a 2.33 ERA. She has struck out 56 batters while walking 24, giving NSA a reliable second arm behind McGowan.

Rounding out the staff is Elise Barbour, who has not allowed an earned run in 21 innings of work. Barbour boasts the lowest walk rate (3.85%) and highest strikeout-to-walk ratio (15.7) on the team.

With its experienced lineup, deep pitching staff and proven track record in the postseason, NSA enters the semifinals as the team to beat.