Published Thursday, April 10, 2008 12:08 PM
Updated Thursday, April 10, 2008 12:09 PM
Senior Robbie Rice pitched two shutouts this week and was a force both at the plate and on the base paths.
Patriots' softball team has explosive week
The Patriot softball team sandwiched two shutouts around a win over Summerville this week to stay alive in the hunt for the region crown.
The shutouts were over Beaufort and West Ashley, but what really has the Fort Dorchester team excited is the 5-4 victory it earned over crosstown rival Summerville Tuesday. After a disappointing start this season, the win was exactly what the Fort needed. Now the Fort, Summerville and Colleton County each have a region loss.
"The win against Summerville keeps us in the race and it really pumped us up," Fort pitcher Robbie Rice said. "We are coming together and playing with confidence. The coaches have changed the lineup around and together those things are making a difference."
Summerville (19-6) jumped ahead 3-0 in the rivalry game but, the Patriots (11-4) tied the score when senior Kari Hansford hit a three-run shot out of the park. Summerville scored again for a one-run lead, but the Fort would not be denied. Third baseman Leea Polin sent a linedrive into the outfield to plate Rice and Hansford, who scored the game-winning run.
Rice pitched a complete game for the Fort to pick up the win. Malori Myers suffered the loss for Summerville.
On Wednesday, Rice was a force to be reckoned with both on the mound and offensively. The senior threw six innings in the 10-0 win over West Ashley, allowing only four hits while striking out five batters.
At the plate, she hit a single, double and triple to nearly complete the circle. She had an RBI and stole home three times for three runs.
Meggan Marr had three RBIs in the game. Taylor Johnson was 2-for-4 at bat with a walk.
On Monday, the Patriots made short work of Beaufort, downing the Eagles 10-0 in five innings. Jessie Rabun and Shelby Barker combined for a one-hitter. Rabun got the win after pitching the first three innings and allowing no hits while walking only a single batter. Barker didn't walk any batters, but surrendered a triple to Beaufort's Chelsea Wallace in the fifth inning.
Polin led all batters, going 3-for-3 including a triple. She drove in two runs and scored two more. Johnson and Hansford both had three RBIs in the game.
Rabun and Barker also pitched in offensively. Barker was 2-for-3 at bat with two runs scored and Rabun reached in all three of her at bats, scoring three runs and driving in two others.
"The girls played great this week," Patriot coach Johnson said. "I'm proud of them for toughing it out. Now we just have a couple more we need to win."
Tonight the Patriots host Battery Creek. On Tuesday, they travel to Summerville to wrap up their region schedule.