Caroline Newman WCHS Pitcher

Lady Vikes top Red Springs to set up conference showdown with E. Bladen

RED SPRINGS – The West Columbus Lady Vikings uncorked a huge third-inning hitting barrage that brought home six runs and led to a 10-5 Southeastern 1A-2A Conference softball victory Friday over host Red Springs.

WCHS pitcher Caroline Newman struck out 16 batters while pitching a four-hitter. Coach Cindy Faulk’s Lady Vikings, now 7-1 in conference play, will travel to meet conference-leading East Bladen Tuesday at 7 p.m., in a key matchup. East Bladen won the first conference meeting between the two squads by a 2-0 score.

West Columbus’ 13-hit attack included a two-run triple by Brooke Cartrette and key doubles by Ashley Williamson, Candace Walker and Jessica Hayes.

“We hit the ball real well, especially in the third inning,” Faulk said. “Some of our younger players stepped up to get some big hits and really gave us a lift.”

Freshman Amber Hanson had three hits while Walker and Candace Williamson had two hits each. Brittany Stephens, Samantha Blackwell and Patrice Jenkins also had hits.

Sinclair had two hits, including a double for Red Springs. Washington and McNair also had hits for the Lady Red Devils. Red Springs scored three of its runs in the final inning.

WP: Newman LP: Bell