N. Johnston's Evans throws no-hitter

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 9, 2004 2:01 AM

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KENLY -- Robyn Creech delivered the game-winning RBI single to in the fourth inning as North Johnston shut out Ayden-Grifton 1-0 in Class 1-A Carolina Conference action Friday.

The Panthers (20-1, 11-0 CC) clinched the regular-season championship, which is the program's second in the last three seasons. They earned homefield advantage for the first three rounds of the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs, which begin May 21.

Ayden-Grifton, the 2003 Carolina champion, fell to 9-2 in the league.

The teams battled to a scoreless tie after 3 1/2 innings.

Hannah Ellis started the North Johnston fourth by reaching second on an infield throwing error. Creech rapped an RBI single up the middle, and took second on a passed ball.

Chargers right-hander Jayme Beacham walked Ashley Tart, putting runners at first and second. However Beacham, a Barton College recruit, ended the inning with a strikeout.

Ayden-Grifton, ranked No. 5 in the latest ihigh.com/coaches and media poll, threatened to score in the first inning. Panthers hurler Candace Evans walked the first batter, but she was thrown out by Tart at second base.

The Chargers (13-3) attempted to score in the again in the second, but hit into an inning-ending double play. No other Charger reached base as Evans threw her second complete-game no-hitter of the season.

Amanda Pope led the Panthers with two hits in three plate appearances.

North Johnston, the state's top-ranked 1-A team in the ihigh.com/coaches and media poll, concludes the regular season at home next Tuesday against Spring Creek.