Regional Semi-Final
Alexander Central 1
East Rowan 0
Alexander Central has advanced to the regional final in the State 3A Softball Championships with a 1-0 win over East Rowan Saturday evening.
Chesney Stikeleather scored the game’s only run with two-outs in the 7th after the East Rowan third baseman misplayed a ground ball that would have sent the contest to extra innings.
The game was dominated by the pitchers. The Lady Cougars’ Faith Carrigan allowed only one hit, struck out 8, and walked 3 in her second straight shutout in the postseason. East’s Haley Strange frustrated the Cougar hitters allowing just 3 hits, striking out 11, and allowing 6 walks. ACHS left 10 runners on base.
Apart from Stikleather’s double, the other Alexander Central hits were singles from Faith Carrigan and Kirstyn Herman.
AC improves to 14-3 and will host 15-0 North Buncombe on Tuesday in a one-game Regional Final.