by Johnathan Smith

WINDSOR
Windsor High School’s varsity softball team opened Tri-Rivers District play this week with two victories, defeating Brunswick Senior High School on Tuesday and Southampton High School on Thursday.

On Tuesday, at Brunswick High, the Lady Dukes jumped out early with two runs in the top of the first inning when shortstop Alyssa Funai drove in two runs on a single. The Lady Dukes added runs in the top of the third and sixth innings to push the lead to 4-0.

In the top of the seventh inning, the Lady Dukes scored two runs on a double by junior pitcher E.J. Bankson to make the score 6-0. That was more than enough offense for Bankson to work with. She pitched a complete game shutout, allowing four hits, no walks and recording 13 strikeouts.

On Thursday, the Lady Dukes returned home to face rival Southampton High School. The Lady Indians jumped out to an early 1.0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Southampton’s Diamond Jones reached on an error and came around to score on Bryona Knight’s single. Lady Indians pitcher Madi Wood held the Lady Dukes in check through the first three innings.

The Lady Dukes’ explosive offense came alive in the bottom of the fourth inning when they unloaded for seven runs. They sent 10 hitters to the plate, who conducted six hits and a walk. Kayce Gray and Sydney Carter both picked up two RBIs, while Edythe Carr, Alyssa Funai and Cameron Pagan each picked up one RBI in the inning.

Bankson led the Lady Dukes from the mound with five strikeouts, three walks and did not allow an earned run. With the wins this week, the lady Dukes are now 5-0 on the season and 2-0 in the Tri-Rivers District.

The Lady Dukes will be back in action on Monday, April 3, against Tri-Rivers District foe Park View. The game is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.

JONATHAN SMITH is the assistant varsity softball coach at Windsor High School. Contact him at 242-6172.