Clover Hill Cavaliers softball finishes underdog season with their stamp on the region
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. — With only 2 returning upperclassmen, 5 Sophomores, and 2 Freshmen in the starting lineup, The Clover Hill Cavaliers Varsity Softball Team is among the youngest in the region. They proved a force to be reckoned with, with a regular-season record of 16-3. They went 1 for 1 with 3 solid local teams, Midlothian, Cosby, and Powhatan High Schools. This record put them in first place entering the Region 5C Tournament. Their wins over the Deep Run Wildcats and the Glen Allen Jaguars clinched a spot in the State Tournament. Unfortunately, a 6-2 loss to the powerhouse, Mills Godwin Eagles in the Championship game resulted in the Cavs entering the State Tournament as the Regional Runner-up.
The Cavaliers were led this year by the unshakable pitching talent of Junior and Co-Captain, Angelina Branch, who finished the season with 17 of the team’s 18 wins and 169 strikeouts. Freshman catcher, Alejandra Wittman’s fierce energy, quick pop times, and canon right arm, not to mention her 25 hits, helped bring new life to this year’s team. The other starting Freshman, Madison Hayes, locked down 3rd base with her fearlessness of hard-hit shots off the bat and her hustle on every play. Hayes also had a solid hit count of 23 with 19 RBIs.
The Cavs Sophomore outfield was impenetrable with their agile drop-steps and gap-closing speed. They were led by speedy Center Fielder, Angela Rudolph, who was 100% on the 24 stolen bases she attempted and scored 24 runs this season. Hard-throwing Right Fielder and Co-Captain, Addison Thompson, brought her natural leadership skills and collected 23 hits with 19 RBIs. Twin sister and Left Fielder, Alyssa Thompson, lead the team’s on-base percentage with a 1.066. She also rang up 19 RBIs and had 1 homerun. Both Thompsons were dependable anchors in the outfield, consistently making plays on the line and in foul territory.
Two Sophomore middle infielders dramatically reduced every one of the opponents’ scoring opportunities. Shortstop, Allana Overby, with her gold glove performance, finished the regular season with zero errors and 23 putouts. Jayla Adkins stepped up and owned her new position at 2nd base. Her bat came alive in the second half of the season, helping to propel the Cavs into the State Tournament. The lone Senior and Co-Captain, Hope Coppedge also brought in 1 homerun in the regular season. Her fast reflexes, long stretches, and confident glove at 1st base rounded out a commanding Cavs defense.
The talent on the field did not go unnoticed. Six of the nine starters were selected for All-Region Teams. Pitcher, Angelina Branch, and Right Field, Alyssa Thompson, were selected for First Team. Center Fielder, Angela Rudolph, and Short Stop, Allana Overby, were chosen for Second Team. Left Fielder, Addison Thompson, and Catcher, Alejandra Whitman, were chosen for Third Team.
Supporting the starting line-up were Sophomore, Ava Satterwhite and Freshmen, Sydney Chiocca, Cameran Manning, Ameenah Jenkins, and Ellena Purvis. All the subs had opportunities at the plate and in the field, not to mention their unwavering commitment and positive attitudes, which were instrumental in enhancing the overall morale of the team. Finally, the experienced and dedicated coaching staff led by Lacey Sullivan and assisted by Rusty Crostic and Glenn Corbin helped to make this underdog team the surprise success that it was.
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