GLENVILLE, W.Va. — Gilmer County plated at least one run in every inning and they received a strong pitching performance from sophomore Kenley Hartshorn to post a significant conference and regional victory with a 9-1 (5-inning) triumph over 2025 state runner-up Wahama.
Last May, the White Falcons defeated the Titans, 11-10 in the decisive game of their sectional tournament, ending the season for GCHS.
“It meant a lot. Last year, we lost in the bottom of the seventh over at Wahama,” said Gilmer County head coach Wendell Tomblin. “Our girls remembered that and came ready to play.”
The Titans racked up a dozen hits and seven batters in their lineup reached base at least once.
“We’ve played four games. In a few games, two or three of them hit and some of them didn’t. Today, most of them hit. And we have been working on hitting. And our fielding has been good. We’ve only given up five runs in four games.”
No. 9 batter Erin Stoddard went 3-for-3 for the Titans with two runs scored and two runs batted in.
“That’s why we put her there. She is just like a leadoff when she gets up. She’s tough and she can put the ball in play.”
Leadoff batter Alexis Stoddard also collected three hits while Hartshorn and Ariana White each had two hits.
Despite getting hit on her pitching arm with a line drive during the second at bat of the game, Hartshorn went the distance in the circle. She allowed five hits and did not walk a batter. Hartshorn collected six strikeouts.
“She is tough and she won’t complain about anything.
“She has been working on her changeup and it is starting to get a little bit better.”
Many of the GCHS (4-0) players were key members of the basketball team that finished as Class A state runners-up less than two weeks ago.
“I’m pretty pleased because I help coach the basketball team too. Whenever we started softball practice, they all came to softball practice. So really, they have not missed a whole lot.”
Marlee Carr drove in the lone run of the game for Wahama (7-2). Izzy Nance, Audrey Reynolds, Eve Smith and Aby Flowers also had base hits for the White Falcons.