Cougars get revenge in tournament, top UCA, 4-1

ASHEBORO — A late season swoon seems like a million years ago for the Southwestern Randolph High School softball team. 

The Cougars, who had lost three straight heading into the Piedmont Athletic Conference Tournament, regrouped with three wins last week, including a 4-1 win over regular-season champion Uwharrie Charter Academy to win the tournament title.

The Cougars, who dropped a tough 4-3 decision to the Eagles in the regular-season championship game, used a three-run first inning and the stellar pitching of Macie Crutchfield to capture the title.

“We came into the game very prepared of who we were facing,” said Crutchfield of facing UCA’s Mollie Bulla. “We worked all week trying to time her up. Our practices really helped tonight.”

The victory gives SWR a 15-6 record heading into state tournament play. UCA is 17-3-1.

“I thought we came out with good focus and a winning mentality,” SWR coach Toby Strider said. “Macie threw a great game and our defense was great. It seems we are starting to understand where we are defensively. 

“Our focus is coming back.”

Madelyn Smith led the game off with a single and she stole second. Kami Dunn’s infield single put runners on the corner and Smith scored on a popup to second when the fielder fell down behind second base. Dunn, who went to third on the popup, scored on a throw to first to complete a strikeout. Lileigh Payne then singled and rode home on a double by Haley Thompson.

That was all the offense Crutchfield would need as she allowed just three hits, two by Kenzie Hill and a solo home run from Bulla, her fifth of the season.