ROANOKE, Va. – The James River softball program has reached the VHSL Class 2 State Tournament for the first time since 2018 and are ready to seize the opportunity.
“It will be awesome,” said Knights senior pitcher Austyn Moran. “It’s been a dream.”
“It’s very energetic to be in this moment,” said Knights senior outfielder Jenna Pugh.
The Knights will enter quarterfinals play with lots of momentum: 14 game win streak and a Region 2C championship win that lasted 14 innings against Appomattox County.
“It was an honor to play in a game like that because to me it will go down as one of the greatest regional championships in VHSL history,” said head coach Steve Austin. “We met yesterday and are feeling great but we’re looking forward.”
Coach Austin credits much of the teams success to the strength of schedule this season--challenging the team, especially his seniors.
“I think the competitive level that it takes. The one thing we’re lucky in is that we’re a balanced team with good hitting, good pitching and good defense and when one’s down the other can pull us up,” Austin said.
“Our schedule with playing bigger schools helped us a lot,” Moran said. “Coach focused on the points which put us in a better place for regionals. So it was worth playing a lot of teams in a lot of bigger schools.”
“Everybody helping everybody,” said Pugh. “We’re not here to play for ourselves. Everybody is playing for the person next to them, in front of them and behind them. It’s more teamwork than it is just to be here for yourself.”
Pugh is playing with added motivation. She tore her ACL 16 games into the 2022 season. Pugh has returned to form and is playing stronger according to coach Austin.
“I think it’s gone really well,” Pugh said. Her older sister was part of the 2011 state championship team but Pugh says although the family is competitive, she feels no pressure entering the state tournament.
“I watched her all through her state games and it feels really good and it makes me realize I’m reaching the goals I had when I was 6.”
James River will host John Battle at 6 p.m. on Tuesday night in the VHSL Class 2 State Quarterfinals.