Lady Jackets fall in 8 innings

The Roanoke Rapids Lady Yellow Jackets hosted the defending 2A State Champions South Granville Vikings Tuesday night.

Before the activities began Tuesday Players and fans honored a moment of silence for the four Victims of the tragic accident in Rocky Mount at Wesleyan College killing four young ladies, Donesha Scott, 19, of Raleigh, Robyne Barnes, 20, of Conway, Kandis McBride-Jones, 20, of Littleton, and Quedeshia Brown, 20, of Henderson. Jones and Barnes from the area and Barnes had played local recreation and travel ball with several of the Jackets.

Roanoke Rapids scored first in the bottom of the first with Brooke McCloenny scoring with Breanna Allen credited with the RBI. Sierra Hearp was left on base after her first inning single. The Jackets held the Vikings scoreless until the top of the fourth when Barker for the Vikings caught the Jackets right fielder not set, scoring Colclough for one run.

The score remained 1-1 through the fifth, sixth and seventh innings sending the game into overtime of extra innings. The Vikings bats lit-up in the eighth inning with three singles, two double and Barker hitting an over the fence home run giving the Vikings 6 runs for the inning. The Jackets could not answer falling 1-7 in eight innings.

Sierra Hearp pitched 7 and 1/3 innings allowing 7 hits and striking out 6 batters. Hunter Martin pitched 2/3 innings allowing 3 hits on witch was a 2 run Home-run.

Only two Jackets were able to capitalize at the plate for the Jackets, Both Sierra Hearp and Hunter Martin each had a single.

Head coach Steve Milligan post game comments, "Ok tough loss. Coming off a big win I felt our ladies were prepared by our coaching staff we made some good plays on defense, several miscues, but we just didn't hit like we are capable of.. taking nothing away from South Granville pitcher Barker, Because I feel she is the best we will face in the conference. We just didn't hit tonight."

Photos by Randy Wrenn