MULLINS, S.C. — An old sports saying is that offense sells tickets but defense wins championships. The Marlboro Academy softball team proved it could do both Tuesday evening.
The normally prolific Marlboro offense was uncharacteristically quiet but the Lady Dragons played excellent defense, claiming their third state championship in six years.
The Lady Dragons held Pee Dee Academy to one hit and defeated the Lady Eagles 2-0 to claim the South Carolina Independent Schools Association Class AA state championship.
“I’m just so excited for our girls,” said head coach Boyd McLaurin. “This wasn’t an easy series and we had to overcome some obstacles to get both wins.
“Both teams played very sound defense and got terrific pitching,” he continued. “We were able to manufacture a couple of runs each day and that was the difference.”
Sophomore Jenna Greene struck out six batters while allowing just one hit and two walks in getting her second shutout victory in as many days. Pee Dee’s Bailey Elvington was nearly as good, allowing just five hits and a walk, while striking out three Dragons.
The Lady Eagles had the first scoring opportunity in the game. After a walk and a single, the home team had two runners on with two outs. However, a pop fly caught by first baseman Laney McLaurin ended the threat.
Marlboro finally got on the board in the top of the next inning when Abigail Ridge smashed a one-out double to left field. Ragan Liles followed with a double just inside the third base line — scoring Ridge.
After reaching third on a passed ball, Liles scored on a sacrifice fly by Samantha Bryant.
The Lady Dragons turned to their defense to finish the contest, as a pop out and two groundouts retired Pee Dee in the sixth inning. A line out to the pitcher and two pop outs to third baseman Liles ended the Lady Eagles’ hopes in the final inning, setting off a celebration at the pitcher’s circle.
Ridge was 2-3 at the plate, while both Jenna Ridge and Savannah Barber finished 1-3. Liles was 1-2 with a walk.
In the opening game of the series, which took place Monday, the Lady Dragons scored two sixth-inning runs in a 2-0 victory. After Liles and Abigail Ridge were walked, Bryant brought the two home with a double to left field.
Greene held Pee Dee to just three hits and struck out ten batters in Monday’s matchup.
“Our offense wasn’t as potent as usual but Jenna (Greene) was fantastic and our defense was solid. This is a great group of kids and I’m just thrilled for them,” McLaurin said.
Marlboro finished the year with a 34-5 overall record, including wins over Richmond Senior, Darlington, Hartsville and Sumter.
The Marlboro Academy softball team won the South Carolina Independent Schools Association Class AA state championship earlier this week by sweeping Pee Dee Academy.