James Wood tops Tuscarora for region softball title

LEESBURG — The James Wood softball team scored three runs with two outs in the third inning to take a lead it would not relinquish in a 5-3 win over Tuscarora in the Region 4C championship game on Friday.

Both the Colonels (22-2) — who won their first-ever regional title — and Huskies advance to Tuesday's Class 4 state quarterfinals. James Wood will host Region 4D runner-up Halifax County.

With two outs in the third inning, James Wood trailed 2-0 and had Brynnen Williams on third, who had walked, stolen second, and moved to third on a passed ball.

Izzy McKee (3 for 4 with two RBIs) grounded a single to left to make it 2-1, Sydney Orndorff doubled to left to tie it, then Aliza Judd doubled to left to make it 3-2.

McKee drove in another run in the fifth with a single to make it 4-2, and Skyla Compton homered in the sixth to make it 5-3.

Ellie Johnson then entered the game in relief in the bottom of the sixth inning and she allowed only one hit in two shutout innings, striking out one batter. That single was erased by a double play in the seventh. Tuscarora's Audrey Stelle then reached on an error but was caught trying to steal second to end the game.

Other James Wood leaders: Jenna Shull WP, 5 innings, 3 runs (all earned), 4 hits, 6 walks, 4 strikeouts; Sadie Kittoe 2-4; Cadence Rieg 1-4, run.