Softball

From Star Staff Reports

FRONT ROYAL — Winless a year ago, the Warren County High School softball team handed the ball to a freshman and began its turnaround.

Nicole King’s complete game career debut lifted the Wildcats to a 4-3 win over visiting James Wood in a Northwestern District season-opener Wednesday night.

King struck out 12 batters, including one to end the game with the potential tying run on third base. She surrendered one earned run on six hits and no walks.

Warren County trailed 2-1 before rallying for three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Stephy Keller knocked in the eventual the winning run, and Taylor Bass went 2-for-3 at the plate.

Morgan McCarthy doubled for the Colonels, and Morgan Sykes tripled.

Wood pitcher Amanda Morrison struck out nine and did not allow an earned run.