Northside softball team sweeps Hope in playoffs

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Northside went undefeated in the regular season and swept its Southeastern Christian Conference semifinal series against Hope. Pictured (l-r) are Alliyah Crocker, Kaylea King, Ava Welsh, Coach Todd von Weyhe, Jordan Padelford, Bat Boy Carter Welsh (in front of Padelford), Briley Parrish, Caydance Slayton, Brook Parrish, Emma Calhoun, Briley Parrrish, Gabby Smith, Caylee Young and Coach John Parrish.

BY CLIFF SMELLEY

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Northside Christian Academy’s softball team capped an undefeated regular season and then got the Southeastern Christian Conference playoffs started with a 2-0 semifinal series sweep against visiting Hope Christian Academy on May 8.

The Eagles (12-0-1) will host High Springs’ First Christian (12-4-1) on Monday, May 12, with game times set for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Northside had a 6-0 record on the regular season before finishing in a 6-6 tie against visiting First Christian on April 22. The Eagles then reeled off wins by scores of 23-8 over Open Bible on April 24 in Valdosta, Georgia, 21-3 over visiting Hope on April 29, 23-5 over host Brunswick (Georgia) Christian on May 2 and 21-1 over Corinth Christian on May 5 in Jasper.

The Eagles scored a total of 170 runs in compiling its 10-0-1 regular-season record, while opponents scored a total of 40 runs.

Northside earned the number-one seed in the SECC playoffs, which had them hosting fourth seed Hope in a May 8 double-header. The Eagles took the first game 12-2, while winning the second 23-2.

The Eagles had no trouble in finishing off the sweep (and avoiding a third game). They already had a big lead in the second inning of game two when Ava Welsh had a hit to drive in a pair of runs and make the score 11-1.

Hope, which was the host team in the second game, scored its final run in the bottom of the second. Allyssa Wilson hit a leadoff single and stole second. After an Anne Amis single, Wilson scored on a ground out by Trinity Casielles.

Brook Parrish pitched the first two innings for Northside before giving way to Aliyah Crocker. Crocker threw two innings as well, giving up no hits and no walks.

The Eagles held a 12-2 lead going into the fourth. Gabby Smith hit a one-out single, while Ava Welsh and Caley Young both walked to load the bases. Briley Parrish walked to force a run in before Brook Parrish drove in a run on a ground out.

Northside players (l-r) Kaylea King, Briley Parrish, Ava Welsh and Jordan Padelford show that they got the “dub” in a playoff series against Hope.

Crocker then had a hit to plate another two runs and put Northside up 16-2.

Northside kept the inning going with a Brylee Gay single, but Hope shortstop Addyson Wilson caught a line drive for the third out.

The Eagles pushed their final seven runs across in the fifth. Caydance Slayton and Smith both walked, while a Welsh single loaded the bases. Young ground into a fielder’s choice, which resulted in Hope’s Addyson Wilson tagging Smith out, but Slayton scored, while Young reached safely. A Briley Parrish hit then scored two runs to put the Eagles up 19-2. Brook Parrish followed with an RBI single, while Crocker drew a walk. While Crocker was making her way to first, Brook Parrish stole third. Crocker took the opportunity to steal second, with Parrish then stealing home for Northside’s 21st run.

Northside’s final runs of the inning occurred when Crocker scored on a passed ball and Kaylea King drove in one on a ground out.

Gay pitched the bottom of the fifth for the Eagles. She retired the first batter she faced before Hope’s Casielles drew a walk. Northside shortstop Briley Parrish then made a diving catch, robbing Brianna Bradshaw of a hit.

Briley Parrish caught a pop-up for the game’s final out.

Northside’s Caylee Young (left) and Brook Parrish show that you can play winning ball and still find time to have some fun.
Northside first baseman Caylee Young stretches out to make a catch and record a putout.
Brook Parrish pitches for Northside in game two of the series against Hope. She threw the first two innings, with the Eagles holding an 11-2 lead.
Hope’s Kinsley Lofton prepares to scoop up a ball in the outfield.
Northside catcher Gabby Smith corrals a low pitch.
Hope’s K.J. Odom prepares to make a throw from left field.
Ava Welsh (left) reaches second safely for Northside. Hope second baseman Allyssa Wilson is also pictured.
Hope shortstop Addyson Wilson catches a pop-up.
Northside’s Ava Welsh prepares for an opportunity to advance from first.
Hope’s Allyssa Wilson (right) sprints toward second base on a successful steal attempt. Northside second baseman Aliyah Crocker is also pictured.
Briley Parrish drove in two runs in Northside’s seven-run fifth inning in game two of the playoff series against Hope.
Kaylea King drove in the final run in Northside’s 23-2 win over Hope.
Aliyah Crocker pitched two innings of no-hit ball in game two of the series against Hope.
Hope’s Anne Amis takes off for first after laying down a bunt in game two of the series against Northside.
Gabby Smith takes a lead at second for Northside.
Hope second baseman Allyssa Wilson (left) waits on a throw as Northside’s Aliyah Crocker makes her way to second.

 

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