The streak continues!
The Three Rivers Lady Raiders softball team takes it one game at a time as the squad extended its winning streak to 10 games with a sweep over the Lady Vikings of Jefferson College Monday at J.D. Rains Field.
The Lady Raiders grabbed the opener 4-0 as A.J. Agers tossed a three-hitter, then won the second matchup 4-3 with a game-winning two-run homer from Ann-Marie Simpson. With the wins, Three Rivers improves to 30-7 on the season.
"It was a solid softball game for us," Three Rivers coach Jeff Null said about the team's opener against Jefferson. "We jumped on early, and it set the tone. We knew this would be a pitcher's duel with Jefferson's good pitcher, but A.J. did a great job. She's taken advantage of the umpire we gave her and wore it out today."
In the first game, the Lady Raiders jumped out with an early 2-0 lead with a line drive hit to right field from Lexis Davis and a single grounder from Karlye Happold. Stepping into the top of the second, Agers threw some major heat to land three consecutive strikeouts against the Lady Vikings.
After a homer from Josie Bezzole, the Lady Raiders held a 3-0 lead for most of the contest, and at the top of the seventh, Agers closed out her gem.
"It's very exciting to get this win," Agers said. "It was a great team effort, and we all kept our energy up for the entire game. It also helped that we got some early runs, but overall it's a great team win."
In the second game, the Lady Raiders fought down to the wire to come away with the win over the Lady Vikings.
The Lady Vikings struck first with a solo homer from Camryn Kessler to take a 1-0 lead at the top of the second, but it didn't take long for the Lady Raiders to respond. Agers connected with a two-run homer to give the Lady Raiders a 2-1 lead headed into the fourth.
With a constant battle for control, the Lady Vikings managed to hop back in front at the bottom of the seventh, leaving the Lady Raiders only one chance to win. With their backs against the wall, Simpson launched a hard fly ball to right field for a two-run homer and a walk-off victory for the Lady Raiders.
Lexi Davis, Happold and Bezzole each had two hits in the opener, while Simpson, Agers and Trista Grobe each had one.
Simpson led with two hits in the nightcap, while Agers, Davis and Audrey Rahlmann each had one.
Agers threw 95 pitches — 61 for strikes — in the opener and finished with eight strikeouts. With this being her last season, Agers said winning for this team is her top priority as they continue to build off the streak.
"We don't take anything for granted," Agers said. "We are taking it one game at a time, and we are always laser-focused during the game. Our hitting has improved, which has been a real force that keeps us all pumped and pushing forward.
Three Rivers is back in action Tuesday as they hit the road for another conference matchup against Mineral Area College at 2 p.m.
D'Courtland Christian - Daily American Republic