Cougars & Bulldogs Set to Square Off For Title
For those who follow Loudoun and Fairfax sports, it wouldn’t be much of a shock to see Oakton and Stone Bridge playing each other for the regional championship in softball after following the success of each athletic program all year long. This highly awaited matchup between two softball powerhouses will happen on Friday in Falls Church to decide the Division 6 Group AAA regional championship.
Both teams are led by outstanding pitchers. Stone Bridge’s Ace is senior Breighana Harris, the most dominating pitcher in the Liberty District in 2006. Harris has several no-hitters and is also a force at the plate. The Bulldogs aren’t completely reliant on Harris and her golden arm though. The Stone Bridge lineup is full of talented hitters such as sophomore catcher Kayla Lechler and All-Met senior shortstop Samantha Ingersoll. Katie Kramer and Lauren Wolz also add power and stability at the plate. The Bulldogs have pounced on just about every opponent they have played this season finishing with an undefeated regular season record.
Head Coach Stephanie Walley in her first year at the helm has helped this talented Bulldog squad come together to perform at the highest level. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if Stone Bridge wins the state title under Walley’s guidance. Walley learned from one of the best to ever coach in the state of Virginia, Beth Walker. Walker, the former Park View head softball coach, won a couple of state championships and mentored Walley early on in her coaching career.
Oakton entered the 2006 season as the favorite to win the Concorde District and compete for a state title. Head Coach Pat Purcell is one of the best in the state and his talented Cougars battled some early season disappointments and gelled at the right time to get back on track for the post-season. Purcell kept his girls focused on making sure they reached the end prize, the state playoffs.
“Losing early didn’t worry me; we had plenty of time to work out the kinks. It’s not how you start the season, but how you finish it. Hopefully we’ll finish it on top,” Purcell said after a win last month.
The Cougars have an ace on the mound of their own. Jesse McCarrick has been untouchable this season for Oakton. McCarrick’s fastball and control is usually the deciding factor in the ballgame, but the Cougars have some other weapons as well. Right fielder Jen Francis and centerfielder Becky Anderson are two of the most talented players on the roster.
Look for this game to be extremely tight going into the last inning, and possibly extra innings. Pitching will be the theme, but it will be up to the hitters to decide how this one will end.
First pitch is scheduled for 7pm at Falls Church.
