The Lady Leopard softball team got off to a good start Thursday, beating North Duplin, 7-4, on the Rebels’ home turf.
“I’m the most relieved coach in Sampson County right now,” an elated Dave Yarasheski, Lakewood’s head coach, said in a phone interview. “Our defense played really well, but our offense was much better at the plate than in the past,” he added.
Sabra Knowles went 4 for 4 at the plate and scored twice; Morgan Herring was 2 for 4, with a triple, and she scored twice, also. Ashton Hairr showed her speed by stealing four bases. She was 2 for 3 with a double at the plate, and she scored twice.
Miranda Lane had a single, scored a run, and stole 3 bases; Amanda Bowden, Bailey Dudley, and Anna Heinz, all got one hit.
Pitchers for Lakewood were Knowles, who struck out 4 batters in 4 innings; and Bowden, who struck out 3 batters in 3 innings. Between the two, they gave up 4 runs.
The Eagles will have a chance to even the score when they travel to Lakewood on Monday for a nonconference rematch. Game time is 4 p.m.






