Suffocating defense in District

The Washington fast-pitch softball team improved their record to a dazzling 19-0 as they continued District games.

They garnered two wins over Crossings Christian (10-0, 13-0) and another over Jones (13-0).

The Warriors have only allowed one run in their last five games.

“We threw it really well and played really good defense,” said Warrior head coach Tylor Lampkin.

All four Warrior pitchers - Maggie Place, Olivia Palumbo, Ellie Loveless and Emjay Lucas - have been pitching the ball well for the Warriors.

“All four got quality innings and quality wins,” Lampkin said.

The Washington pitching staff accounted for 38 strikeouts while only giving up seven hits for the week.

Crossings

Place got the start in the circle in the first game of the double header against Crossings Christian. She struck out eight batters while giving up three hits.

She helped out her own cause when she went 1-3 with a double and a walk.

Loveless went 2-4 at the dish with a double.

Elly Allison went 1-1 with a triple and a walk.

Abby Wood and Skylar Wells accounted for three RBIs each.

“We hit the ball better this week,” Lampkin said. “We had 50-plus hits for the week and a lot of people got their batting averages back up. We hit almost .500 as a team and still saw some good arms.”

Palumbo started the second game against Crossings. She struck out five batters and only allowed one hit.

Leadoff batter Tinley Lucas went 1-1 with two walks and also plated two runners.

Loveless homered while going 2-3 and had three ribbies.

Emjay Lucas tripled and had a pair of RBIs.

Jones

Place struck out nine batters in a no-hitter against Jones.

The Warriors had 13 hits as a team, including doubles by Allison and Wood and triples by Kelby Beller and Loveless.

Lampkin feels like the whole team is coming together.

“Some of the young kids like Olivia, Kelby and Emersyn (Massey) are making big plays,” he said. “The outfield is playing well with them and Abby is holding everything together. Abby is Abby.”

The Warriors host Jones today (Thursday) before starting the Piedmont Festival Friday.

“I’m proud of the team and they’re starting to click,” Lampkin said. “It’s all hopefully moving in the right direction as the playoffs get closer.”