Owen softball falls in opening round of state playoffs

Warlassies’ season ends on the road in Maiden

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 11, 2023

The Owen softball season came to a close, May 10, with a 5-2 loss in the opening round of the NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs. 

The 12-8 Warlassies entered the contest as a No. 28 seed, facing the 19-3 Blue Devils, seeded fifth in the postseason tournament. 

Owen opened the contest with a run in the top of the first, but the lead was erased as Maiden tied the score in the bottom of the inning. The home team took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the next frame, and extended its advantage by 2 runs in the fourth inning. 

The Warlassies scored a run a couple of innings later, but the Blue Devils held on and advanced to the second round. 

Senior Addison Bartlett pitched 6 innings in her final appearance for Owen, giving up 2 earned runs. Her offensive performance included a double, as she drove one of the team’s runs. 

Sophomore Sophie Neal went 2 for 3 at the plate. 

The Warlassies ended the regular season with four straight victories, finishing fourth in the Western Highlands Conference and earning their second consecutive postseason appearance.