State title out of reach

Published 7:17 am Saturday, May 21, 2011

IWA third baseman Diane Davis misses the tag of Kenston Forest runner Eva Watson. IWA fell 5-0 to Kenston Forest in the VISSA Divsion 3 state championship game. -- Dale Liesch | Tidewater News

Sarah Bowyer, left, Hailey Glover and Brooke Small were named to the VISSA state all-tournament team. -- Dale Liesch | Tidewater News

PETERSBURG—For the second straight year, Isle of Wight Academy lost in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division 3 State Tournament to Kenston Forest.

After losing to the Lady Cavaliers in the semifinals last year, IWA was shut out 5-0 Friday in the championship game.

The win was the first in three straight tries for Kenston Forest after losing in the finals in 2009 and 2010 to Tidewater Academy.

Kenston Forest pitcher Amber Gibson silenced the Lady Charger bats, allowing only two singles and striking out 12. Gibson gave up one walk.

IWA coach Chris Hooper said Gibson was one of the strongest pitchers the Lady Chargers had faced all year.

“We knew coming in here that the pitching was going to be tough,” Hooper said.

Not to be outdone, IWA pitcher Hailey Glover gave up four earned runs on seven hits. She had six strikeouts and pitched a complete game.

Sarah Bowyer and Metro Conference leading hitter Bailey Key had the hits for the Lady Chargers.

IWA’s only two losses came to Matthews High School in the regular season and this one to Kenston Forest.

“I’m very pleased with our girls,” Hooper said. “The two teams we lost to had strong pitching. These are a great group of girls and we had an exceptional season.”

Bowyer, Glover and Brooke Small were named to the VISAA Division 3 all-tournament team.