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Raiders stay perfect in softball
The Loudoun County Raiders remained unblemished with a 5-1 victory against the Potomac Falls Panthers Tuesday in Leesburg.The Panthers suffered their first loss of the season in six contests, while the Raiders are undefeated through seven games.
Potomac Falls pushed across a run in the top of the first inning when Heather Kiefer hit a bases-loaded comebacker to County pitcher Lindsey Holtz, who initiated a home-to-first double play. Catcher Lindsey Packard pulled her foot too early from home plate, resulting in the Panthers' only run of the game.
The Raiders responded with a run in the bottom of the first to tie the game before scoring three times in the third. County closed out the game's scoring with a run in the fourth.
Holtz settled down to finish off a complete game, allowing two walks and six hits, collecting five strikeouts.
"From the beginning of the season into tonight, she's been a gutty, gritty kid," said County coach Ryan Vance of Holtz, who has started all seven contests for the Raiders. "She throws strikes, keeps the ball down, lets her defense work for her. That's our plan for this year and she's doing a great job."
Leadoff hitter Rochelle "Rock" Latka led the Raiders' speed-driven offense with two hits, four stolen bases and two runs. One of her singles came when she dragged a bunt down the third-base line, one of four bunt singles for County during the game.
"She's a real igniter at the top of the order," Vance said of his lefty-swinging center fielder. "From when she came as a freshman until now, she intimidates defenses because they don't know what she's going to do. She's an outstanding athlete and we're grateful that she's on our team."
Kristen Gorman and Megan Lindsey contributed two hits apiece to the offensive effort. Both of Gorman's hits were bunts.
"A couple of years ago we started [the slap-offense], because speed never slumps," said Vance of his offensive philosophy. "We know that from one to nine we've got speed there, and so we've got a shot every game."
Kiefer, the Panthers starting pitcher, completed the game as well, striking out three while allowing one walk and 10 hits, most of them of the bunted or slapped variety. Her record goes to 3-1.
"Heather Kiefer does not quit," remarked Potomac Falls coach Joe Pettit. "She doesn't lose her cool, keeps the same temperament. That's the best thing about her."
Several Raiders reached base by directing the ball toward the left side of the infield and out-racing the ball to first base.
"You don't usually see a lot of slap-hitting like they do. They executed very well," Pettit said.
Pettit mentioned that his first baseman and second baseman are having to play out of position.
"I think that hurt us on the slap defense," he said.
Center fielder Evelyn Hay scored the Panthers' only run and had two of their six hits.
"Evelyn is having a fantastic season as a leadoff batter," Pettit commented.
Despite the setback, Pettit claims that his team's 5-1 start is the best the Potomac Falls program has ever seen.
"We're planning on progressing. We're getting better with some young players."
County's 7-0 beginning is a minor surprise to Vance, who has a mix of youth and experience on this year's squad.
"I thought we were going to compete right away. I didn't foresee us doing this well, but I think we're fully capable of it."
| Softball | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Runs | Hits | Errors |
| Potomac Falls | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 |
| Loudoun County | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | X | 5 | 10 | 2 |
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