By Thomas Grant Jr.
A second state title in softball awaited Gray Collegiate Academy Wednesday.
The Lady War Eagles defeated Marion 9-1 in Game 1 of the Best-of-Three Class 3A final Monday. Game Two was scheduled two nights later in West Columbia on their new homefield.
The Game One victory marked the first time Gray Collegiate (33-2) was held to single digits in the post-season. In seven playoff games, it has outscored opponents 86-7 and have scored 10 or more runs in 17 games this season.
Aspen Boulware went 2-3, including a 2-run inside-the-park homer in Game One. It was her school record 20th home run of the season.
Shields Greene went 2-3 and Kaley Anderson and Kaylan Boudreau both had RBIs. On the mound, freshman Peyton Hendrix allowed nine hits, but struck out 10.
While Gray Collegiate had a chance to wrap up a title, Lexington looked to force a deciding game in its Best-of-Three series against defending Class 5A champion Summerville.
The Lady Wildcats were shut out 4-0 in Game One at home. University of South Carolina commit Ansley Bennett threw a no-hitter as she struck out 13 batters and allowed two hits.
Katie Guilliam put the Lady Green Wave ahead in the first inning with a leadoff home run. Melanie Edwards added a 2-run homer in the fifth inning as she and Guilliam accounted for four of the six hits allowed by Lexington starter Haley Manz.
Eighth grader Naomi Little held Summerville hitless in two scoreless innings to finish the game.
Game Three, if necessary, would be scheduled at a site to be determined Friday.
Photo by Gray Collegiate Academy Ashley Boulware
