The Newton Eagles Softball team recognized their senior players before the game versus Charleston. The game also was an end for an over 40 year career mixed with umpiring and coaching softball in Jasper County. The winning senior night game was the final game for Steve Hardwick and the Lady Eagles sent him out in style with a win over the Lady Trojans of 4-1.
The NCHS Varsity Eagles capitalized on a well-rounded performance to secure a 4-1 victory over the Charleston Varsity Trojans in Thursday night’s matchup.
Charleston struck first in the top of the first inning, taking a 1-0 lead due to an early error. But Newton wasted no time responding. In the bottom half of the inning, the Eagles executed back-to-back sacrifice bunts to bring in two runs and take a 2-1 lead—one they would not surrender for the rest of the game.
Amelia Collins was dominant in the circle for Newton, going the distance with a complete game. She allowed just four hits and one unearned run over seven innings, striking out six and walking two to earn the win.
On offense, the Eagles saw a balanced effort. Alisson Stanley came up big in the middle of the lineup, going 1-for-2 and driving in three of Newton’s four runs. Camryn Martin provided consistency at the plate, notching a perfect 3-for-3 day. Addyson O’Dell added pressure on the basepaths with two stolen bases.
Charleston’s Raylin Cox took the loss, pitching six innings and giving up four runs on five hits, while striking out three. Despite the loss, Charleston played a clean game defensively, not committing a single error. Lainie Keefer led the Trojans defensively with four plays and also recorded a hit, along with Avery Beals, Blair Ritchey, and Reece Good.
The win reflects a strong team effort from the Eagles, combining smart base running, clutch hitting, and steady defense to control the game from the first inning on.
