Softball Recap: Maddy Bethel Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Harrells Christian Academy

Halifax Academy barely beat Harrells Christian Academy the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Vikings never let the Crusaders get on the board and left with a 13-0 victory on Tuesday. The Vikings haven't had any issues with the Crusaders recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive win against them.

Payton Odom

Hits (Career)

04/29/25 @ Harrells Christian Academy	4
04/04/25 @ Ridgecroft	2
04/24/24 @ Ridgecroft	2
04/09/24 @ Southampton Academy	2
03/12/24 vs Rocky Mount Academy	2

Payton Odom made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Those four hits gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Halifax Academy got a massive performance out of Maddy Bethel, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs and one stolen base. That's the most runs Bethel has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Emma Inscoe, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.

Halifax Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .556. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in four consecutive games.

Halifax Academy's victory bumped their record up to 8-11-1. As for Harrells Christian Academy, they have been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-11 record this season.

Halifax Academy does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Harrells Christian Academy, they will venture away from home to square off against Arendell Parrott Academy at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Crusaders are facing the Patriots at the right time seeing as the Patriots are stuck on a seven-game losing streak.