Class AAA: Familiar spot for Hurricane looking for 4th straight title

VIENNA, W.Va. — Hurricane found its way back to a familiar position on Wednesday night as the Redskins on Thursday will play for a fourth straight Class AAA softball state championship and fifth title in the last six years.

The Redskins won a pair of tight contests, out-slugging George Washington 10-8 in the first matchup and then edging John Marshall 2-0 in the nightcap.

Washington was eliminated on Wednesday, falling to John Marshall and George Washington in another pair of close games.

Notes are below from Wednesday’s Class AAA action:

Game 1: John Marshall 7, Washington 5

• It was a wild start to the Class AAA tournament as John Marshall rallied from a 5-2 seventh inning deficit, scoring five runs in the top of the seventh for a 7-5 win over Washington.Carli Lightner hit a three-run home run in that seventh inning with two outs to give the Monarchs that 7-5 lead and ultimate win.

Game 2: Hurricane 10, George Washington 8

• Taylor McCray collected four RBIs for Hurricane, going 3 for 5 from the plate with a home run and a double as the Redskins held off GW, who scored five runs in the fifth, down the stretch. George Washington had trailed 9-2 before making it a game late.

Game 3: George Washington 4, Washington 3

• George Washington bounced back from its strong effort — but a loss — against Hurricane with a 4-3 win over Washington. GW scored three of its four runs in the fourth inning.

Game 4: Hurricane 2, John Marshall 0

• A first-inning home run from Caiti Mathes gave the Redskins the early lead and momentum. Harlie Vannatter, meanwhile, was excellent for Hurricane in the win, giving up just two hits and striking out 12 in the start.

CLASS AAA (All games on Field 1)

Wednesday (May 23)

Game 1: John Marshall 7, Washington 5

Game 2: Hurricane 10, George Washington 8

Game 3: George Washington 4, Washington 3 — Washington eliminated

Game 4: Hurricane 2, John Marshall 0

Thursday (May 24)

Game 5: 9:45 a.m. – George Washington (21-6) vs. John Marshall (29-2)

Game 6: 2:15 p.m. – Hurricane (24-3) vs. Winner of Game 5

Game 7 (if necessary): 30 minutes after Game 6