Miranda H. Lewis
Carter County Times
On Thursday evening at the Elliott County softball field, Payton Rice had ice-water in her veins.
The Lady Raiders were able to ride the right arm of their star hurler and played spectacular defense behind her in the field to capture a 9-1 victory en route to the 62nd District Championship.
And by sliding past West Carter for the third time this season – and when it mattered most – East Carter was able to earn their way back into the 16th Regional Tournament as a top seed.
Rice pitched a complete game four-hit shutout with twelve strikeouts and two walks issued to pick up the district finale.
She was a puzzle West Carter simply couldn’t solve.
Trina Porter added insurance to the Lady Raiders policy by crushing a three-run home run.
The sophomore’s feat highlighted East Carter’s blistering offense.
The Lady Raiders recorded nine hits including nine RBIs and six walks.
Leading the way for East Carter, Laken Knipp finished with a 3-for-4 effort at the plate, three stolen bases, one RBI, and two runs scored.
Adriana Cordle and Abby Boggs aided their cause by going 2-for-4. Cordle also recorded a double and an RBI for the event.
Porter continues to swing the hot bat, finishing at 2-for-4, three RBIs, and homered for one run scored.
Alyssa Willis started the game in the circle for the Lady Comets. She allowed eleven hits and nine runs while striking out one over five innings of work.
Bailee Artrip made a brief appearance pitching the sixth and final inning.
West Carter tallied four hits for the game.
Artrip led the Lady Comets with a 1-for-3 effort at the plate, scoring one run.
Willis followed with a double and an RBI.
Claire Holbrook and Brandi McGlone made solid contributions to West Carter’s offense, both notching one hit a piece.
With the win, the Lady Raiders improved to 22-12 on the season.
East Carter now holds back-to-back district titles.
The Lady Raiders and Lady Comets both advance to the 16th Regional Tournament where they hope to make a run at the regional championship.
Contact the writer at miranda@cartercountytimes.com