Carlie Blanton of the Viqueens clears the bases with a 3-run double in the third inning. (Post Photo by Rickey Clardy)
By RICKEY CLARDY
Sports Writer
UNIONVILLE — The Community Viqueens jumped out to a big lead and minimized two Loretto Lady Mustang rallies as the Viqueens defeated the Lady Mustangs 6-2 in a semifinal game of the Region 5-AA softball tournament Monday night.
The momentum of winning the District 9-A tournament carried over as the Viqueens wasted little time lighting up the scoreboard with some small ball in the bottom of the first.
Anna Haskins led off the first with a double and was sacrificed to third by Gracie Daniel.
After Taylar Wessner singled to score the first Viqueen run, Alana Tate connected on a bunt single to put two runners on base.
Haylee Webb was credited with an RBI after reaching base on an infield error as Community took a 2-0 lead.
As pitcher Annie Prince continued to get through the Lady Mustang lineup without much difficulty early, the Viqueens added to their lead in the bottom of the third.
Singles by Wessner and Tate to start the inning and a walk to Kailani Allen loaded the bases with one out.
After running the count to 3-and-1, Carlie Blanton drilled a double to clear the bases and increase the Viqueen lead to 5-0.
McKenzie Tucker followed with a single to put runners on the corners.
On an attempted double steal, an out was recorded at second but the run scored at the plate as Community took a 6-0 lead.
Community looked to increase its advantage in the fourth with two hits, but a caught stealing prevented the Viqueens from adding to their lead.
Despite five Loretto batters reaching base in the top of the fifth, the Lady Mustangs could only muster one run as the Viqueen defense came to the forefront.
After a single to center with the bases loaded brought in one Lady Mustang run, Tate’s throw to Blanton at the plate cut down a second run.
Another single reloaded the bases, but a popup ended the rally with just one Lady Mustang run.
The Lady Mustangs once again loaded the bases in the sixth with one out.
A ground out scored one run, but the Viqueens avoided serious danger as a popup ended the inning with only one Loretto run.
The Viqueens put two runners on base but could not add to their lead in the sixth as the Lady Mustangs came to bat with the top of the order in the seventh.
A leadoff walk started the inning for the Lady Mustangs, but the fire was quickly put out as Brooklyn Yoes snared a line drive at first and tagged the base for the double play.
A popup ended the game as the Viqueens advanced to the Region 5-AA championship game.
Wessner had four singles while Haskins and Tate each collected two safeties to pace the 11-hit Viqueen attack. Only one Viqueen struck out during the game.
Prince started for the Viqueens with Wessner in relief in the sixth and Prince back on the mound to finish the game.
With the win, Community will host Summertown Wednesday for the Region 5-AA championship.
Summertown defeated Forrest 3-2 in the other region contest.
The Viqueens are also assured of a sectional game later in the week.
Loretto 000 011 0 — 2 6 1
Community 204 000 x — 6 11 1
Loretto: J.B. Clifton 1-for-3, Aubrey Ezell 1-for-4, Kiresten Randell 1-for-4, Adisen Buie 1-for-3, Chelsea Attkisson 1-for-2, Emily Cozart 1-for-3.
Community: Taylar Wessner 4-for-4, Anna Haskins 2-for-4, Alana Tate 2-for-4, Carlie Blanton 1-for-3, McKenzie Tucker 1-for-3, Brooklyn Yoes 1-for-3.
WP: Prince
LP: Cozart
