The Valwood softball team used clutch hitting to defeat the Brooks County Trojans 6-4 in extra innings Wednesday.
The Valiants (6-3) withstood a rally from Brooks County in the sixth. Trailing 4-1, the Trojans plated a run in the sixth and Rohkell Holden had a two-run homer over right-center field in the seventh to tie the game at 4.
Valwood added two runs in the eighth and held the Trojans scoreless to preserve the win.
“Our team is coming through with many clutch hits at the right time,” Valwood senior Ansley Haskard said. “Our defense also looks good, but we must keep working to minimize errors by continuing to work hard and focus during practice. Region play is going to be tough as we do not know much about what these teams have this season. Each year a group has something special, a special connection. We are beginning to find ours.”
Lindsey Browning and Haskard led Valwood with three hits apiece. Bri Fosdick, Natalie Rojas and Ansley Bennett each had two hits. Graceigh Booth, Mary Clare Martin and Darcee Brown each had one hit.
Brown pitched a complete game, allowing four runs on nine hits. Lindsey Browning capitalized on two defensive plays at second, tagging a runner and completing a double play with a throw to first. Natalie Rojas also had several keen defensive plays at third, including stopping two sly bunt attempts.
The Valiants earned two hits and capitalized on an error in the top of the first with two quick runs, and added two more in the fifth.
Valwood begins GISA Region 3-3A play next week, facing Brookwood in Thomasville on Tuesday before returning home to host Southland Academy on Thursday.