POQUOSON—Southampton High School advanced to the regional softball playoffs for the first time in school history. Unfortunately, the Indians’ playoff run ended quickly.

Poquoson showed why it has compiled a 22-2 record and is the team to beat in Group AA, Region I, cruising past Southampton 8-0 on Memorial Day.

It was going to take a tremendous effort by the Indians to conquer the host Islanders and their Virginia Tech-bound pitcher, Maggie Tyler. Tyler sat down 15 Indians on strikes and was able to scatter five hits and overcome three errors behind her.

One of the highest hit totals against Tyler this year wasn’t enough. On the mound, the Indians got a great effort but from an unexpected source. In the top of the first inning, SHS starting pitcher Janie Young fouled off a pitch that hit her in the face and knocked her out of the game for the next three innings. Cue Brittany Andrews, a junior who stepped right in and handled Poquoson’s high-powered offense, holding the home team to two runs over the first three innings.

However, the Islanders got a couple of two-run doubles that put the game out of reach in a four-run fourth inning. Young came back into the game to finish the fourth and the rest of the game. The Islanders added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth for the final margin.

The Indians threatened in the top of the sixth with back-to-back singles, a sharp base hit by Megan Revell and an infield hit by Brandie Hunt, but a fly-out and pair of strikeouts ended the surge.

SHS finished off a banner year, winning 13 games, making the regional tournament for the first time in school history and putting five girls on the All-Southside District teams. Senior Hunt and junior Regina Artis earned first-team honors. Junior Young and senior Hannah Turner were named to the second team, and sophomore Marisa Cabell earned honorable mention.

Second-year head coach Susan Melbye said she was pleased with the growth shown throughout the season and is excited to see where Southampton softball can go in the future.