Roger Lee/Journal Scene

From left, third baseman Hayley Trodglen and pitcher Paige Deschaine played key roles in bringing Ashley Ridge High School its first region championship.

The Swamp Fox softball team defeated Bishop England 6-1 Tuesday to clinch the Region 6-AA crown.

It was a historic win for Ashley Ridge High School, which opened this school year and had not earned a region title in any sport prior to Tuesday.

“It’s really nice to bring that home for the school,” Ashley Ridge coach Lindsey Blackmon said. “This entire school is just such a close-knit community from the administration on down so to be able to give something back is great.”

The Foxes improved their record to 13-4 with a 9-0 mark in the region.

They had their final region game of the year against Cane Bay Thursday after press time.

The first time Ashley Ridge faced BE, the Foxes battled for a 1-0 victory. Blackmon said the second time around wasn’t any easier.

“Overall it was an emotional and tight game,” she said. “The score doesn’t reflect how close it was and the opportunities that both teams had to put some runs on the board. Our pitcher did a good job, but our defense had to work out of a bases-loaded situation a couple of times. Later in the game we stung some hits together and we put some bunts down at crucial times to end up coming out on top.”

Paige Deschaine got the win on the mound, tossing a complete game.

Eighth-grader Sarah Butler was one of the leaders at the plate. She reached base two times, including once on a base hit that drove in two runs.

She also laid down one of the key bunts.

Blackmon is hoping the victory will give the team momentum entering the playoffs.

“Bishop England gave us the type of game that we will face in the playoffs so that’s good,” she said.

“This team has really grown and I think they will continue to do so. They will improve on their communication skills and reading each other, those types of things. We are on an upward move and hopefully we will peak at the right time.”

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com.

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