Albemarle’s softball team usually splits innings between their two talented pitchers, Lindsay Chaney and Emily McAllister. But Tuesday against Orange County, with Chaney cruising early, the Patriots stayed the course.
“She was in control tonight — she threw a lot of nice pitches,” said Albemarle coach Bill Hutchinson. “She kept them off balance with a changeup, through a rise ball, a drop ball and when you mix it up like that (she’s) tough.”
Chaney rewarded his confidence, holding Orange in check en route to a 2-0 victory over the Hornets. Chaney struck out 10 and surrendered just four hits in her seven-inning shutout effort. She also walked just one, giving Orange few opportunities to get on the scoreboard.
“We really do make a great team, it works better when Emily starts and I finish, but I like starting and finishing,” Chaney said.
The toughest late jam for the Patriots came in the top of the sixth when a ball that seemed bound to roll foul settled into a divot on the field and was ruled fair. In the waiting game that ensued, the Orange baserunner advanced to second, giving the Hornets a runner in scoring position with no outs.
But Chaney locked down and the Patriots’ defense stood tall as she escaped the inning.
“She threw a couple of good pitches where she jammed kids and they didn’t hit it hard,” Hutchinson said. “Then she got a key strikeout and that’s what it’s all about.”
Brooke McAllister provided the offense for the Patriots with a 2 for 3 night at the plate with a pair of RBI and a double. She gave Chaney a one-run cushion in the third and gave the Patriots some breathing room in the bottom of the fifth. Caroline Porco and Khouri Turner scored the runs, while Colleen Marshal blasted a double for the Patriots.
Orange pitcher Jaime Anderson was steady throughout. She’s splitting time with senior Aysha Richardson currently and struck out seven while allowing just the two runs in a strong effort. But the Hornets couldn’t scratch out any runs to give her any help.
“I think Jaime did an excellent job — we got caught messing with the ball in the outfield but we’re alright,” said Doris Buzzel. “Jaime’s been stepping up big-time for us.”
