Softball -- CBA drops Washington

Published in Sports on April 7, 2004 2:02 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- The scene is all too familiar. It has to be almost comforting to Charles B. Aycock softball coach David West -- and all too disheartening for Washington High School coach Jamie Matta.

"It's always the same," said West, as his team eked out a 1-0 win over the Pam Pack. "I don't care where we play, here or there. The games will always be well-played, close, and a play here, or a hit there, will decide the outcome."

That's exactly what happened as the Lady Falcons remained undefeated and in first place in Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference play. Their record now stands at 10-0 overall, and 6-0 in conference play. Washington lost only their second game of the season. Their slate is 8-2, and 5-2 in conference.

The marquee matchup of pitchers -- Aycock's Jenny jackson and Washington's Jeri Bell -- did not disappoint, with a strong supporting performance by both defenses.

"When you get two pitchers like Jeri and Jenny, you know there isn't going to be a whole lot," said West. "We were fortunate to take full advantage of what we got."

Jackson had another outstanding night. In a game that took less than an hour to play, she threw only 55 pitches. Besides allowing only one hit to Jessica Joyner in the first inning, she did not allow a walk, while striking out 10.

En route to her tenth consecutive win without a loss, Jackson retired 20 batters in a row. In the third, she needed only three pitches to dispose of her guests, all on infield outs.

Bell also pitched well. The Pitt Community College signee was equally stingy, allowing but two hits and a walk. She fanned five.

If it wasn't for one play, both teams might still be playing.

With one out in the bottom of the fourth, Aycock's Kandace Burroughs lifted a foul popup that Washington's third baseman lost in the sun. On the next pitch, Burroughs hit a triple to left and scored the game-winning run on April Vick's sacrifice fly.

Washington's bats could never get untracked.

"We hit the ball well," said Matta. "But it was always right to someone."

The Lady Pack only got one ball into the outfield, on a play that right fielder Jackie Schmidt converted into a fielder's-choice force out at second.

Aycock's infield was dazzling. Shortstop Ashley Morris assisted on four outs, and second baseman Meredith Wilkerson three.

"Kandace (Burroughs) did a great job at first," added West. "We were totally in focus tonight and played a great game. When you have a great defense, that played an errorless game, to go with a great pitcher like Jenny, we've got something going."

Aycock will play tonight at Eastern Wayne, while Washington will be at West Carteret.

Washington 000 000 0 -- 0 1 0

C.B. Aycock 000 100 x -- 1 2 0

Leading hitters - Washington -- Jessica Joyner 1 hit. C.B. Aycock -- Meredith Wilkerson 1 hit, Kandace Burroughs 3B, April Vick RBI.

IP H R ER BB SO

Washington (8-2, 5-2)

Bell (L) 6 2 1 1 1 5

C.B. Aycock (10-0, 6-0)

Jackson (W, 10-0) 7 1 0 0 0 10