The Hundred Hornets pounded out 20 hits and scored 28 runs in beating Jefferson County Christian 12-6 and 16-1 in a double-header softball victory May 1 at JCCHS.

In the opener, the Hornets scored eight runs in the first two innings and held on to double up Jefferson County 12-6. Rachel Ashcraft was the winning pitcher for the Hornets. She scattered three hits and struck out 10 batters, while walking seven.

Ashcraft and Raven McDiffitt each had a single and a double to lead the way offensively, while Mercedez Goff chipped in a pair of singles. Haley Hayes, fresh off one of her best games defensively, pounded a single, while Jordyn Gorby, Lindsay Burley, Emily Ebert and Shelly Cork each drilled a single.

McDiffitt knocked in four runs, while Ashcraft plated three and Gorby knocked in one RBI. Goff paced the Hornets with two stolen bases, while Gorby snatched one.

In the nightcap, Hundred started off on fire, scoring five times in the first and staying hot throughout. The Lady Hornets boiled over with a seven spot in the fourth frame to beat Jefferson in a mercy-rule four-inning victory, 16-1.

Gorby limited Jefferson to one hit and struck out nine batters to gain the victory from the hill. Hayes continued her hot play with a triple and a single, while knocking in two base runners to lead the way offensively for the visiting Lady Hornets. McDiffitt added a single and a double, while knocking in three teammates.

Other Hornets pounding out hits include Taylor Ashcraft with a single, while Gorby and Ebert each added two singles. Goff, Gorby, Katie Tennant and Taylor Ashcraft each drove in runs, while McDiffitt stole the only base for Hundred.

“We played really well both offensively and defensively,” said HHS Head Coach Brian Bartlett. “We needed to get a couple victories heading into sectional action.

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In the opener of the Section II playoffs in Morgantown May 5, Hundred scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh, but Morgantown Trinity tallied two more runs to capture the opener 6-4.

Gorby was the pitcher of record for the Lady Hornets and struck out 11, while scattering nine hits. McDiffitt had two singles, while stealing three bases to lead the Hornets at the plate. Ebert chipped in a double, while Macy Woods, Burley, Gorby, and Tennant each added singles. Burley also knocked in a pair of runs, while Tennant brought home one run.

“In the first six innings we were on our heels. We didn’t make some plays in the field and we didn’t put the bat on the ball,” said Bartlett. “We also learned of the passing of a teacher earlier in the day. We finally made things happen in the seventh, but it was to little too late.”

On May 6, the Hornets had to play top seed Clay-Battelle, which earlier in the season beat them twice. However, the Lady Hornets tallied one more run to get a 5-4 victory to put them into the finals against Trinity. Gorby was on her game and had a strong outing, striking out four and walking two to pick up her ninth win of the season.

Rachel Ashcraft doubled twice and knocked in a run, while McDiffitt and Gorby each singled twice. Woods, Burley, Tennant and Goff each added singles.

“We played excellent softball today. We made the plays behind Jordyn and we put the ball into play and made the Cee-Bees commit some errors,” said Bartlett. “We wanted to come here and show that we can play when we are focused on what we have to do. We also changed up our batting order a little.”

Gorby struck out 10 batters in the championship game, but Trinity held the Hornets in check, taking advantage of Hornet miscues to claim the sectional championship, 7-0, May 6.

Burley led the Lady Hornets with a pair of singles, while McDiffitt, Hayes and Taylor Ashcraft each added a single. Hayes also had a sacrifice bunt.

“Trinity’s pitcher pitched a good game,” said Bartlett. “She had us on our heels and mixed speeds just enough to make you think, then blows you out. Jordyn held her own. We went from winning one game last year to winning 11 games this year and probably should have won a couple more.

We had 13 players and will only lose Gorby and Rachel Ashcraft to graduation. We will miss them. They were good team leaders and outstanding individuals and Roger (Tustin) and I wish them all the best. I’m pleased on how all the girls were focused on getting better all year long and look forward to next season.”