VIENNA, W.Va. — Kasey Endicott knocked in three runs and capped a championship effort with her ninth homer of the season, helping Wayne High repeat as Class AA state champs with a 5-1 win over James Monroe.
The sophomore Endicott also had two sac-flies for the Pioneers (29-6), who had beaten James Monroe 14-1 on Wednesday. Watch video highlights here.
“I just tried to go up there with confidence and believe that I could help the team,” said Endicott, who closed the season with 41 RBIs. “(The homer) felt good. It always feels good to get a good hit, especially in the state championship.
“We had our goal set all season that we would try to come here again and win back-to-back. Everybody was great. We had a great year.”
James Monroe (23-6) earned a rematch with Wayne by defeating Ritchie County 2-1 in an eight-inning losers-bracket game Thursday morning.
The Mavericks’ momentum continued as they struck for an unearned run in the top of the first against Wayne starter Jessica Rowe. But the Pioneers countered with two runs in the bottom half — Elizabeth Parsons had an RBI that tied it before Endicott lifted a go-ahead sacrifice fly.
In the third inning, Allison Maynard’s run-scoring single made it 3-1 before Endicott delivered another sac-fly.
Endicott iced the win by launching a long home run to left field in the fifth.
“She’s tough, isn’t she?” said Wayne coach Tish Smith. “Kasey’s just a beast. Offensively and defensively, she’s so clutch for us. We’re happy to have her two more years.”
Rowe fanned eight batters and finished with a two-hitter, though James Monroe threatened to rally in the seventh. The Mavericks loaded the bases before Rowe coaxed a game-ending grounder.
The final out recorded, Wayne’s players spilled onto the infield, a celebration that could repeat itself — or rather, three-peat itself — next season when a bulk of the Pioneers’ roster returns.
“Hopefully,” said Endicott, glimpsing ahead to 2014. “We’ll work hard in the offseason and try to do it again.”