Hickory Ridge softball takes 1-0 series lead in high school 4A state final behind Dew gem

Anna Dew tossed a two-hitter, and Hickory Ridge took advantage of shaky fielding by Apex to post a 3-0 victory Friday night in the opener of the best-of-3 4A state softball championship series.

Dew struck out eight and escaped a couple minor jams, and the Ragin’ Bulls (27-2) shut down Apex (20-8) on the basepaths. The Cougars are among the state’s leaders in stolen bases this season.

Hickory Ridge, playing in the softball state finals for the first time, broke a scoreless tie at Duke University’s Softball Stadium in the bottom of the third inning.

Grace Bechtol reached on a hit and advanced to third base on an Apex error. She scored on a sacrifice by Laura Herzig.

Apex got the lead runner on base in the top of the fourth, when Leah Kendall walked. But she was thrown out, Tori Kirkpatrick to Bechtol, while trying to steal second. That play loomed large, as Madeline Deenan then singled for Apex’s first hit. Dew struck out the next batter to end the inning.

Hickory Ridge loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth, on singles by Kirkpatrick and Emma Shumaker and a fielders choice by Chloe Woodward, but Karcen Burnette flew out and Sierra Swanson’s drive to center field was snagged by Analiza Whittlesey.

The Ragin’ Bulls took advantage of Apex miscues in the bottom of the fifth. Bechtol reached on an error and stole second. Herzig’s fly ball was misplayed by an Apex outfielder, with Bechtol scoring and Herzig racing to third base. Kristyn Embler then scored Herzig on a sacrifice, for a 3-0 lead.

Hickory Ridge loaded the bases again in the sixth but didn’t score.

With two out in the top of the seventh, Bailey Sigmon got Apex’s second hit, on a single to left field. Avery Dearman then reached on a Hickory Ridge error.

But Dew ended the game by getting Amanda Essig to hit into a fielder’s choice.

Hickory Ridge will have two chances to win the 4A crown Saturday. The Ragin’ Bulls face Apex in Game 2 of the series at 2 p.m. If a third game is needed, it will be played either at 5 p.m. (if the 2A finals, also being played at UNC Greensboro, do not need a third game) or at 8 p.m.

Union Academy cruises

Gracie Hollingsworth’s hitting and pitching carried Union Academy to a 13-3 rout of North Duplin in Game 1 of the 1A best-of-3 finals, at N.C. State’s Dail Softball Stadium.

The Cardinals (25-4) and North Duplin (23-4) play Game 2 at 11 a.m. Saturday. If a third game is needed, it will begin at 2 p.m.

Hollingsworth scattered four hits in earning the victory. She and Riley Griffin each hit home runs, and Gabriella Gama drove in three runs.

The Cardinals broke it open in the bottom of the fifth inning, when they scored seven times for a 12-3 lead.

East Lincoln drops opener

Jillian Brunton smacked a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, lifting Western Alamance to a 6-4 victory over East Lincoln in Game 1 of the 3A best-of-3 championship series at UNC Greensboro.

The Mustangs (23-3) and Western Alamance (23-3) play Game 2 at noon Saturday. If a third game is needed, it will be played at 3 p.m.

East Lincoln fell behind 3-1 but scored three times in the top of the fourth to take the lead. Western Alamance tied the game in the bottom of the sixth, and the contest went to extra innings.

There was a special moment before the game, when three East Lincoln seniors — Betsy Eatmon, Leah Correll and Jaelyn Freeston — were awarded diplomas. Because of the game, the three had missed East Lincoln’s commencement exercises, which took place Friday night.

The three players wore their caps and gowns and received diplomas in a brief ceremony near first base.