Preps Plus

In a game dominated by stellar pitching, it was Albemarle’s softball team that prevailed over Monticello on Tuesday in a non-district contest.
The Patriots rode the arm of Ashley Fletcher (12 strikeouts) to help secure a 2-1 victory.
Fletcher helped herself out at the plate, going 2 for 3 with two singles and a run.
Not to be outdone was Monticello’s Victoria Scott, who recorded 10 strikeouts and gave up five hits.
But Albemarle was able to put its hits together as well as capitalize on a couple of the Mustangs’ miscues to get ahead.
“Ashley threw the ball well – she had control of her pitches all day,” said Albemarle coach Bill Hutchinson. “She keeps us in the game, and we’ll scrape and scramble to get a run or two.”
The Patriots (3-3) broke open a scoreless ballgame in the third as Sidney Bush drew a walk to lead off the inning.  Erica Maynard reached base after a throwing error on the shortstop, then Erin Jackson hit a grounder to second base to allow the pinch runner, Liz Law, to score.
Ironically, it was Fletcher who delivered the first hit of the game –as she belted a single up the middle to lead off the fourth inning. Erin Sweeney followed with another base hit to center field, but Scott, a sophomore, was able to get out of the inning safely. The right-hander struck out the next three batters to get out of the jam.
Brittney Via’s RBI double to left center field tied the game in the fifth inning.
Fletcher hit a single to left to lead off the sixth inning, stole second and quickly scored after Jackson reached base on an error and the Patriots retook the lead.
From there, Fletcher continued to keep the Mustangs off-balance. The right-hander allowed three hits on the day – including two to Katie White.
Monticello (2-1), which visits Charlottesville in its Jefferson District opener on Wednesday, faces a learning curve this season with just two seniors on its roster --outfielder Brenna Johnston and catcher Whitney Lipscomb.
“We put the ball in play, but we didn’t hit it when we needed to,” said Monticello coach Beth Humphrey. “We’re young – we start a lot of sophomores and freshmen. So we’re trying to find our groove, but I’m confident in my players.”