by Jamie Harris

The Berkeley Springs Lady Indians softball team continues to search for its first win of the season, dropping to 0–10 after a pair of road losses during spring break week. Despite the setbacks, the week showcased growing offensive production and resilience, particularly in a hard-fought matchup at Hancock.

Hedgesville 24, Berkeley Springs 1

(3 innings)

On Tuesday, April 7, the Lady Indians traveled Route 9 East to face Class AAAA Hedgesville High School. The Eagles wasted little time asserting control, erupting for 13 runs in the bottom of the first inning to take a commanding early lead.

Berkeley Springs found its lone run in the top of the second inning when Bailee Diehl crossed the plate following an RBI sacrifice by Hailey Adkins, providing a brief bright spot against the powerful Eagles lineup. Hedgesville responded emphatically, plating 11 more runs in the bottom of the second to secure a 24–1 victory after three innings of play.

Offensively for Berkeley Springs, Payton Mizell led the way with two singles, while Molly Boyles added a single. Diehl finished with a single and the team’s lone run, Maddie Close drove a double and Adkins accounted for Berkeley Springs’ RBI.

Hancock 13, Berkeley Springs 10

The Lady Indians showed significant fight on Wednesday, April 8, crossing the Potomac River to take on the Hancock Panthers in a game marked by multiple momentum swings. Hancock grabbed a 7–0 advantage through the first three innings, but Berkeley Springs refused to fold.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Lady Indians mounted a five-run rally to cut the deficit to 7–5. The Panthers answered with a run in the fourth and three more in the fifth to push the margin to 11–5. Once again, Berkeley Springs responded, scoring three runs in the sixth to pull within 11–8.

Hancock added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth, extending the lead to 13–8. Berkeley Springs made one final push in the seventh inning, plating two runs, but ultimately fell just short in a 13–10 loss.

Junior Hailey Adkins delivered a breakout performance, leading the offense with two singles, a double, three runs scored and two RBIs. Bailee Diehl collected three singles and an RBI, while Maddie Close chipped in three singles, a run and an RBI. Scotlyn Forney contributed a single, a double, a run and an RBI. Molly Boyles also had a strong day at the plate with two singles, a run scored and three RBIs.

Additional contributors included Bella Albanese (single, run), Isabelle Williams (single), Kamryn Buck (single, run, RBI), Payton Mizell (single) and Kaya Delauter (single, two runs).

The Lady Indians wasted a solid pitching effort out of Scotlyn Forney by committing seven errors in the field. Forney went the distance, scattering 14 hits and only giving up 6 earned runs while striking out three batters.

Looking Ahead

While the record remains winless, the offensive surge at Hancock provided encouraging signs as the season progresses. Berkeley Springs (0–10) will look to turn effort into results with two more road games before returning home. April 13  at East Hardy, 5 p.m.; April 14 at Mountain Ridge, 4 p.m. and April 15 vs. Hedgesville, 5 p.m.

With continued improvement at the plate and growing confidence, the Lady Indians aim to capitalize on upcoming opportunities and change the trajectory of their season.