By Andrew Giermak/Suffolk News-Herald
andrew.giermak@suffolknewsherald.com

SUFFOLK—Nansemond-Suffolk’s softball team technically came from behind for a 15-1 win over visiting Norfolk Academy Wednesday.

The visitors manufactured a run without a hit off NSA starting pitcher Kelsey Ritter in the top half of the first and the Lady Saints (4-1) still trailed by that run in the bottom of the second.

Then the Lady Saint bats, which have been red hot in totaling winning margins of 30-1, 22-0 and 19-4 in their last three games, turned what was a contest into a rout in a hurry.

Senior Kelsey Smith, NSA’s ninth-place hitter, opened the flood gates. With the bases loaded thanks to two walks and a Norfolk Academy error, Smith belted a shot into the left-center field gap for a two-run double.

Leadoff hitter Macy Mears singled up the middle to score two more runs. The Lady Saints continued on with Brooke Starling, Devin Coyne, Ritter and Morgan Daughtry hitting singles. Daughtry’s hit plated two teammates making for an 8-1 NSA lead.

The Lady Saint order piled up seven more singles in the third for six runs. Mears and Ritter finished with three singles apiece. Mears scored three runs. Coyne, Daughtry and Smith connected for two hits each. Coyne and Daughtry led NSA with three RBI each.

Norfolk Academy managed one lone hit, coming off Ritter in the fourth. Coyne pitched the last inning, striking out the side in the Lady Bulldog fifth and bringing up the mercy rule.

NSA’s winning streak is likely to get a good challenge Friday as the Lady Saints travel to face Brunswick Academy. Brunswick is a perennial power among private schools and beat the Lady Saints 2-0 last season.