Presswood Leads Walker Valley To Win Over Bearettes

Lady Mustangs Defeat Rivals Bradley Central, 7-1

Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Richard Roberts

CLEVEAND, Tenn. -- Walker Valley took advantage of an almost perfect afternoon for softball Thursday and picked up another win in a non-district matchup against Bradley Central on Family Night at Larry Haney Field.

The Lady Mustangs (12-1) got doubles from Madison Thomas and Addison Woodall as Ryann Presswood tossed four strong innings in the 7-1 victory over the Bearettes (4-6). The junior right-hander struck out the side in the top of the third.

“I thought our defense played really well. I thought our pitchers pitched great. I would have loved to have seen us adjust a little sooner to their pitching,' said Lady Mustangs head coach Lauren Limburg. “But, a win is a win and I'm really proud of our girls for coming out and continuing to fight through the entire game.”

The Lady Mustangs were held off balance at the plate for the better part of the afternoon as the combination of Madison Long, Kaylee Callahan and Kaitlyn Bailey combined to hold Walker Valley to seven hits on the day. The Bearettes matched the Walker Valley hit total with seven safeties.

“We did a few little things that kind of cost us. Pitching was a little bit off. That's always bad whenever they get those walks on and we couldn't capitalize,” said Bearettes assistant coach Dani Sowder. “Walker Valley has a great defense, they have great hitters. I'm just glad we were able to hold the where we did. Now we know what we need to improve on for next time.”

A pitching change came early for the Bearettes as three walks and a hit batter led to three first inning runs for the Lady Mustangs.

Walker Valley tacked on a four spot in the bottom of the fifth as Alyssa Davenport, Addison Woodall, Presswood and Madison Thomas all reached base. Woodall and Presswood both picked up RBIs on hits while Karly Blackwell and Amy Benson were credited with runs batted in after being hit by pitches.

Haley Davis stepped in for Presswood in the top of the fifth inning and struck out three around a Bradley single.

The Bearettes made some noise in the upper half of the sixth as Linlee Hodge, Ma'Ryah Greenwood, Tori Cagle and Karly Farkas all singled to cut the score to 7-1. Farkas picked up the RBI with a bases loaded single to center field.

“In the top of the sixth we did end up coming around and got some hits and kind of put some pressure on,” Farkas said. “I'm proud of the fight. I'm proud of not giving up. We're excited for next time.”

The Bearettes host Howard in a district matchup Thursday at BCHS.

Presswood sat down six Bearettes with Ks while Davis booked three strikeouts. The duo gave up no walks in seven innings of work.

The Lady Mustangs will take the weekend before preparing for a district battle with Cleveland Tuesday at walker Valley.

“I would have loved for us to have gotten some key hits with runners in scoring position. But, like I said, I'm really proud of the girls. They continued to fight, they never gave up, they never lost focus. They did what they had to do to win the ballgame and I'm really proud of them for that. They are a joy to coach,” said Limburg.

“We've got a district game Tuesday. We're going to take a day or two off this weekend and rest our bodies, so that will be good. We're excited to get back out and compete Tuesday.”