COURTLAND
The Southampton Academy Lady Raiders found themselves in an unfamiliar postseason position in the top of the fourth inning of Monday afternoon’s Virginia Independent School Athletic Association Division III state tournament game.

Leading 2-1, the Lady Raiders surrendered consecutive base hits and were in danger of falling behind former rival Tidewater Academy as their cleanup hitter stepped to the plate. A slow roller back to the mound ended the inning, however, and the Raiders tacked on two more insurance runs to go ahead 4-1 and end all hopes of a Warriors upset.

It was a rare seven inning game for the Lady Raiders, as well, who have run-ruled 13 of their 24 opponents this season. One of those games featured their next opponent, Broadwater Academy, whom they beat 15-1 in March. First pitch of the semifinal matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m. or 30 minutes following the game between Fuqua and Kenston Forest.