Softball Recap: Albemarle Comes Up Short

Albemarle had lost eight straight at home dating back to last season, but on Thursday they dropped down to 0-5 to make it nine. They lost 16-0 to the Orange County Fighting Hornets. If the Patriots were looking for revenge after losing 9-0 to the Fighting Hornets when the teams met back in May of 2025, then they'll just have to keep looking.

Albemarle saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Myah Washington, who went 2-for-3 with one double.

As for Orange County, their win bumped their record up to 7-3. Their hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

On Orange County's side, Kara Fincham and Faith Wilson made a big impact no matter where they played. Throwing, Fincham struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Wilson pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Fincham has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run any time she's pitched this season. At bat, Fincham went a perfect 3-for-3 with two doubles, two RBI, and one run, while Wilson went 3-for-4 with four RBI and two doubles. Those doubles were Wilson's first of the season.

In other batting news, Emma Mastin and Mia Babcock did most of the damage at the plate: Mastin got on base in all four of her plate appearances with four stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI, while Babcock went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Babcock is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games she's played. Elizabeth Williford was another key player, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one run.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming contests. Albemarle will venture away from home to face off against Charlottesville at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Orange County, they will head out to challenge Madison County at 6:00 p.m. on Monday.