SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Late insurance runs proved critical for Wahama as the White Falcons defeated Ritchie County 6-3 in the Class A winners bracket final. Wahama broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth inning when Morgan Christian drove in Tori Van Meter to give the Falcons a lead they would not relinquish. WHS added two more runs in the fifth inning and another in the sixth inning to build a sizable cushion going into the final frame.
Ritchie County (22-6) caused a stir in the top of the seventh as their first three batters in the inning collected singles. An RBI single from Chloe Elliott brought the Rebels within three runs at 6-3. Wahama pitcher Mikie Lieving however retired the next three Rebels in succession, securing her second win of the day in the circle. Lieving allowed eight hits and struck out eight batters.
“She was throwing it in there the second game. And the defense played behind her much better in the second game,” said Wahama head coach Chris Noble.
The White Falcons opened up the scoring in the first inning on a two-run double from Lauren Noble. Elliott brought the Rebels even with a two-run home run in the third inning. Amber Wolfe and Tori Van Meter added RBI singles in the fifth and Deborah Miller blasted a solo home run in the sixth for Wahama.
The White Falcons rallied past Petersburg 6-5 in their opening game Wednesday morning. After making three errors in the second inning against the Vikings, Noble says his team settled in well.
“In the first game, I believe we were fairly nervous. We got rid of that, it looks like. So hopefully we will be good to go for tomorrow.”
Wahama (26-0) defeated Ritchie County for the fourth time this season. They have advanced to the championship round, which will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
“My level of confidence with the whole team is over the top. They have been amazing this year. They never quit.”
Ritchie County will face Petersburg at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in an elimination game. The winner must then defeat Wahama twice to earn the Class A title. Petersburg eliminated Midland Trail 11-5 late Tuesday afternoon.