Beech High senior Abbie Vaughn allowed one hit in the Lady Bucs’ 4-0 victory over Hendersonville on Tuesday.
HENDERSONVILLE Beech High’s softball team has been sitting atop the District 9-AAA standings most of the season, and the Lady Bucs had to fend off one of their closest challengers on Tuesday evening.
With help from senior pitcher Abbie Vaughn and the Lady Bucs’ defense, Beech defeated visiting Hendersonville 4-0 at Memorial Park to remain in first place in the district.
Vaughn (8-7) pitched a one-hit shutout, allowing three walks while striking out two. She also helped herself at the plate, with an RBI (run batted in) single in the second inning.
Beech High sophomore Natalie Lankster runs down the first-base line as Hendersonville junior Hollee Mattei fields a first-inning throw.
“I’m proud of everybody,” Vaughn said, “because without (the defense), that would not have been a one-hit game.”
Hendersonville senior Carley Carlisle (18-7) took the loss despite allowing only one earned run and striking out six. Three of Beech’s runs were unearned.
“(Vaughn) did a great job,” Hendersonville head coach Jeff Serbin said. “She moved the ball around and we only had one hit. Carley pitched a pretty good game, too, but we just had a couple of missed spots on pitches.”
Beech High sophomore first baseman Kennedy McCurry receives a throw as Hendersonville junior Ace Hanson runs down the first-base line during first-inning action.
Hannah Marlar drove in a pair of runs, with a fielder’s choice in the fourth inning and a sacrifice fly in the sixth.
Freshman Alex Beavers had Hendersonville’s lone hit with a single in the fifth inning.
The two teams play again at Hendersonville on May 3.
Hendersonville High junior Annsley Kalamon hits a fly ball during second-inning action.
Beech improved to 17-15-1 overall and 9-1 in District 9-AAA play, while Hendersonville fell to 28-12-1 overall and 7-3 in district action.
Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.
Hendersonville 000 000 0 – 0 1 2
Beech 010 102 x – 4 4 2
Carley Carlisle and Annsley Kalamon; Abbie Vaughn and Layce Milliken. WP – Vaughn (8-7). LP – Carlisle (18-7). Records: Hendersonville 28-12-1 overall, 7-3 in District 9-AAA; Beech 17-15-1, 9-1.