Softball Recap: Pender Victorious

Patriots

Lowest Scoring Games

03/20/26 vs Clinton	7-5
03/13/26 vs Lejeune	10-0
03/09/26 @ West Bladen	12-4

Pender is still undefeated this season after their game against Clinton on Friday, but Clinton came as close as anyone has to beating them. The Patriots sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 7-5 win over the Dark Horses. The seven-run effort marked the Patriots' lowest-scoring contest of the season, but in the end it didn't matter.

Alyna Rooks spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and two unearned) runs on ten hits and racked up 12 Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Pender got a massive performance out of Naima Shepard, who went 1-for-5 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That home run marked the first that Shepard has launched this season. Charleigh Rivenbark was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.

Pender hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Clinton struck out 12 times.

Pender's record now sits at 7-0. As for Clinton, they dropped their record down to 1-6 with the loss, which was their seventh straight on the road dating back to last season.

Coming up, Pender will take on Southwest Onslow at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Patriots' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Stallions have averaged an impressive 12.4 runs per game this season. As for Clinton, they will head out on the road to challenge South Lenoir at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The last three games the Blue Devils have played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.