Davis tosses no-hitter

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on May 7, 2008 3:48 PM

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Wayne Christian's pitching staff keeps logging no-hitters on the Class 1-A Carolina Christian Conference softball scene these days.

Traci Davis recorded the latest "no-no" -- a 16-0, 21/2-inning decision over Durham Cresset Christian in their opening-round, CCC tournament contest Tuesday afternoon. A two-out, third-inning walk prevented Davis from recording a perfect game.

The senior right-hander struck out nine of 10 batters she faced as the Eagles (13-2 overall) advanced to Thursday's semifinal at Campbell University. The tournament winner earns the automatic bid to the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association playoffs.

"Traci did a good job today," said Eagles head coach Roger Longwell. "We just have to forget about this one and get ready for the next round."

Cresset might want to forget, too.

Wayne Christian tallied eight runs in each of the first two innings on a combined three hits.

The Eagles' first at-bat turned into a parade of walks and errors. Carly Hightower walked twice and scored each time. Reagan Hinton, Kayla Kennedy and Davis each put the ball in play, and each benefited from Cresset miscues.

After Davis retired Cresset in order on just 11 pitches in the second inning, Wayne Christian went back to work offensively.

Sarah McCullom provided the Eagles' first base hit and scored when Cresset's outfield misplayed the ball. Catcher Brittney Sullivan reached on an error, while Kennedy and Courtney Barrow each rapped consecutive singles.

With the bases loaded, Hinton stroked a single down the third-base line for three RBI. Cresset, again, committed another error and Hinton raced home to make it 16-0.

Davis quickly retired the first two batters she faced in the third inning. She issued a walk and then got back on the same page with Sullivan to eliminate Cresset from the postseason.

"Those are my two seniors and they have been working well together all season," said Longwell of Davis and Sullivan. "I can't ask for much more than what they give us on the field. We need to get back to work and hopefully get our timing back at the plate, before we go into the next game."