Southern Wayne finally ends offensive drought

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on April 5, 2009 2:00 AM

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DUDLEY -- Michael Wiggs might stay in the dugout from now on.

Battling sickness, the second-year Southern Wayne varsity softball coach watched from the bench as his assistants manned the coaches' boxes on Friday evening.

The Saints prevailed 3-0 over county rival Eastern Wayne.

Southern Wayne, coming off back-to-back shutout losses, ended 12 consecutive scoreless innings in the second inning. Morgan Davis drew a lead-off walk and eventually moved to third on Madison Davis' base hit and Lauren Darden's walk.

Christina Williams followed with a bases-loaded RBI walk for a 1-0 lead.

But Warriors hurler Lani Fricks, who threw a complete game, settled down and retired the next three batters.

"I was a little bit happier with how we swung the bats today," Wiggs said. "We pushed a run across early and that was important."

Eastern Wayne battled back in the third inning.

Casey Mitchell led off with a single and was sacrificed to second. Morgan Smith was hit by a pitch and Fricks drew a walk to load the bases with two outs. Darden induced the third out and preserved the Saints' lead.

"We were one hit away from possibly taking a lead, and it just didn't go our way," said Eastern Wayne head coach Tony Parrish. "I wasn't happy because I hate to lose, but I was pleased with how we competed."

Southern Wayne extended its lead in the fifth inning.

Chelsea Phillips led off with a walk and later scored on Jordan Coor's RBI double. With two outs, Morgan Davis delivered an RBI single.

"We had runners in scoring position in seven different innings in our last two games and didn't score," said Wiggs. "Tonight the girls were more aggressive early in the count and it was nice to see them swing the bat like they expected to get on base."

Darden ensured the Saints' victory by retiring the game's final six batters in order. On the night, the Mount Olive College signee allowed four hits and struck out 10.

"She is the equalizer in the circle," said Parrish. "Darden pitched a great game and they did a good job defensively. I can't take anything away from them."

Eastern Wayne (5-7 overall, 2-4 ECC) travels to Jones Senior on Monday, while Southern Wayne (8-3, 3-1) is the guest of North Lenoir.