Oakton gives Loudoun Valley a 1-0 home defeat
The Oakton Cougars traveled to Purcellville on Wednesday for a much anticipated matchup with the Loudoun Valley Vikings. Oakton and Loudoun Valley don't play in the same district, but both schools have traditionally had excellent softball teams. This year is no different and this contest lived up to the hype.
Loudoun Valley started their ace Cassie Megaha on the mound and Megaha pitched 7 strong innings. Oakton threw senior Jesse McCarrick, who has been impressive all season long on the mound for the Cougars. Anderson and Megaha threw strike after strike and in the 6th inning, the game was decided on believe it or not, a bunt. With runners in scoring position and two outs, Oakton's Becky Anderson stepped to the plate for the Cougars and laid down a bunt on the first base side. Valley catcher Malorie Weller fielded the ball cleanly and made a good throw down the line but the ball tipped off of the end of the second baseman's glove, allowing the only run of the ballgame.
McCarrick closed out the 7th inning and the Cougars took home a very important victory. Cougars Head Coach Pat Purcell was pleased to see his girls play well against a good team.
"Loudoun Valley is tough, and our girls couldn't do much in the first 5 innings. You have to give Valley credit for that," Purcell said.
The Oakton Cougars were the preseason favorite to win the Concorde District but as of Wednesday, they are in a close race with Westfield High School. Oakton lost earlier in the season to Westfield, but Purcell isn't too worried about that at this point in the season.
"It's all about how you finish, and I think we are starting to play like we are capable of. If we continue to play well, we should get our chance to win this district and go to states," Purcell said.
Loudoun Valley continues to have a tough week. On Tuesday the Vikings lost to Group AA powerhouse Broad Run by the score of 11-1. The good thing is neither game is a district contest so Valley is still in the picture in the National district playoff race.
