After a two and a half week layoff spanning spring break and rain outs, the Powhatan High School Varsity Softball team returned to action last week and picked up two district wins but fell short in a non-district contest. The Lady Indians traveled to Bluestone on Tuesday to open their Southside District competition with a 4-1 win over the Barons. Sophomore pitcher Ansley Hovermale went the distance on the mound for Powhatan, striking out seven batters and scattering three hits, while her teammates provided plenty of support defensively and at bat. Juniors Carly Davis and Jessica Glidewell anchored a perfect defensive performance by the PHS infield with five and three assists respectively, while senior Shannon Summers recorded 11 put-outs.

Sophomore catcher Liz Sill led the Lady Indians at the plate with two hits and an RBI and Katelynn Garrett, Marley Perry and Davis each had hits for Powhatan’s offense.

Powhatan scratched the scoreboard in the first inning when Glidewell was hit by a pitch and later scored on a line drive up the middle by sophomore catcher Liz Sill who finished the day with two hits and an RBI.

“We had a long lay-off, so we were anxious to finally play again,” offered coach Marie Crump. “And it was nice to get that first district win.”

The Lady Indians hosted Greensville on Thursday and took their second district win with a 14-0 decision over the visiting Eagles. Freshman Jessica Brooks delivered a solid performance on the mound, holding the Eagles hitless for six innings while striking out eight batters. Hovermale relieved in the seventh, preserving the no-hit effort, and struck out two. Glidewell had a good day at the plate for Powhatan, exploding for three hits including a bases-loaded triple and six RBI. Freshman MacKenzie Dawson, starting in the DP position also had three hits in four trips to the plate and plated three runs. Kelsey Waugh, Brittany Tomlinson, Sill, Garrett and Davis each contributed to the offense with two hits each.

On Friday, Powhatan crossed the river to Deep Run High School to take on the AAA Wildcats in a non-district affair. Neither team produced much offense for the first four innings, as both units turned in strong defensive play. Powhatan threatened with runners in scoring position in the top of the fourth and the top of the fifth, but could not cross the plate.

The bottom of the fifth proved to be costly for the Indians, however, as the Wildcats capitalized on several Powhatan miscues to drive in five runs and ultimately take the 5-0 win.

Coach Crump credited her young team with a strong defensive effort, minus the fifth inning slide.

“Except for the one bad inning, we played exceptional defense against a very good softball team.”