"You have to be completely set up at your spot, because if you're not, moving to that [pitch] can be a little tricky.". The Black Hawks will play Eastern Alamance in a best-of-three series June 3-4 at UNC-Greensboro. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. "It's our job on offense to come back in and score some runs. "Sometimes people rise to the occasion with pressure, sometimes people don't. We all played as a team," Pickens said. Pickens struck out 13 and allowed an unusually high three hits Thursday, including a seventh-inning home run that was just the second long ball she's surrendered this year. And I kept pushing that and pushing that, so thats what we did.. But those freshmen are hungry and they come to practice every day with an energy through the roof. Nevertheless, the Black Hawks were able to squeeze out of the jam and keep the deficit at three. The Cougars advanced to the Tuesdays 3A West regional championship game and will host North Buncombe (15-0) for a spot in the state championship series. Carrigan finished with nine strikeouts in a complete-game shutout, her third consecutive shutout this postseason. East Zone Softball Tournament Hosting/Team Registration; Please note that leagues may play on multiple fields at multiple facilities. Carrigan scattered four singles across her complete game shutout, leaving the bases loaded in the fifth to get out of the only real threat of the day. Game 1 will be Friday night at 7 p.m., followed by Game 2 and the if-necessary Game 3 on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.. Below is a complete list of Citizen Times coverage of North Buncombe softball from the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Kirstyn Herman drove in one run. The Cougars will attempt to win the 11th state title in program history when they face Southern Alamance in a best-of-three series this weekend. "She knows what she wants, and she goes for it. Today North Carolina High School Softball, North Buncombe vs. Alexander CentralBlack Hawks @ CougarsThe Alexande. A one-out single from Alexander Central pitcher Faith Carrigan was the first hit Pickens allowed, and a. North Buncombe senior Cheyenne Cable also had an "I can't believe this is happening" moment with Pickensthis year. The streak would have reached 15 if not for a wild pitch allowing a strikeout victim to reach base. Today North Carolina High School Softball, North Buncombe vs. A.C. ReynoldsBlack Hawks @ RocketsThe A.C. Reynold. North Buncombe blinked first in a Game 1 pitcher's duel between Pickens and Kenna Raye Dark that featured four hits and 26 strikeouts combined, putting the Eagles in the driver's seat in the best . Until recently, Pickens' recruitment likely would've dragged on for years. The smile that appeared on her face upon seeing the ball in her mitt revealed her uncertainty about whether it was empty. I remember coming here and Im so ready to go with this team. Just waiting on who makes an error. Could the multi-sport standout become WNC"s best athlete ever? Holley, a Belmont Abbey signee,said hitting Pickens can feel overwhelmingand might "seem impossible" at first,but felt her home runwas evidence that Pickens' opponents can succeed with the proper mentality and adjustments. North Buncombe defeated Central Davidson 2-0 in the playoffs May 24, 2022. "Knowing I've struggled with her before and being able to adjust and succeed in that way," Holley said. "We were just running off pure adrenaline at that moment, and everybody wanted it so bad," Pickens said. Im pumped, said Carrigan. All of it reinforced her long-held belief that she should be a teacher. TAYLORSVILLE Alexander Central scored in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat East Rowan 1-0 in the third round of the 3A state softball . "Why are you telling me to go rent a house, go buy a house, or go rent a condo when everything I need is right here in the facility?". Back in the pitchers circle, Carrigan did what she had done all night: dominate the competition. "You want to branch out and play people that are as competitive as you are. There was a problem saving your notification. Going into this game everybody was like, She (Pickens) throws hard, she throws hard, and I kept telling them, Stay calm, were gonna be fine. "We're always there to back her up, every time there's a [ball in play]," Whitson said. And to avoid coming any closer to the 200-pitch mark, Tennessee signee Karlyn Pickens had toscore the game's only run, too. ", "I train for the pressure," Pickens said. Faith Carrigan got the shutout victory in the pitchers circle. Tournament Game 2022 NCHSAA Softball Championships 4A East Forsyth 3 Alexander Central 1 Final Box Score Tournament Bracket May 21, 2022 @ 3:01am 4-1 (W) Alexander Central vs. Providence "Because we all know in playoffs, it comes down to one-, two-run ballgames.". They have a hunger for it,"Tiffani Ferguson said. The only time North Buncombe has allowed more than two runs this season was in its only loss, 3-0 to 4A championshipcontender Alexander Central. They were a little bit more prepared for the pitching than we had the opportunity to be.". "That's nerves. WEAVERVILLE Itturns out, Karlyn Pickens can still surprise herself. Stikeleather doubled. "Last year's (regular season), we were kind of just playing to play," second baseman Kiersten Gosnell said. Please subscribe to keep reading. Watch Here http://4ty.me/4k7x36 STREAMING! SHELBY Allit took for North Buncombe softball to reach a second consecutive 3A regional final was a lifetime high in innings, pitches and strikeouts from the defending Gatorade State Player of the Year. Ferguson felt the lack of nonconference play cost her squad in recent weeks, when opponents' level of pitching increased significantly. 3 Robbinsville (20-2) vs. No. She had great command of all her pitches, pounded the zone and came back with the off-speed really well to keep them off balance. The Warriors Kennedy Gaulding was named to the all-conference girls golf team, while the Warriors Chance Barnes was named to the all-conference boys golf team. We all played as a team," Pickens said. Alexander lined out to 2b (2-2 BBFF). North Buncombe defeated Central Davidson 2-0 in the playoffs May 24, 2022. . The smile that appeared on. Pickens, of course, is also a big part of the team's offense. ", "All my classes are special to me, but these girls have just been even more special to me," King said,"because I know they would be best friends with my daughter.". Taylor's bouncer up the middle had eluded two of those their gloves and gone all the way to the wall. It was crazy.". On the other side, Pickens was just as tough as advertised, striking out 17 while walking a batter and hitting another in six innings of work. However, Kenzie Jones flied out to right fielder Abby Teague, sending Alexander Central back to the plate with its three-run lead intact. 2023 www.citizen-times.com. "We've always had the goal of reaching a state championship," Pickens said. The quality of competition this time of the yearmeans her team's aim is topressure opponents into mistakes. Ive wanted this since I was little. That's all I have to do.". We tried our hardest; we put every single thing that we could into it.". The Northwestern Foothills Conference released is all-conference girls and boys golf teams this week. 2022 10u northern district finalist. You can cancel at any time. Teammate Tyler Hughesman pitched 2 1/3 innings and allowed one hit and one earned run. "Growing up, I went to a lot of their camps. The Cougars will also be vying for the 11th state title in program history when they face Southern Alamance in a best-of-three series this Friday and Saturday at North Davidson High School in Lexington. 3 North Buncombe (21-1) vs. No. R-S Central vs North Buncombe High School Softball - Live Stream Watch Live Game On www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=v.ht/Uxlz6STREAMIN. "We played with (Eastern Alamance). "Us being the tough little team that we are, being young, we tried to do what we could with two outs. Unfortunately, North Buncombe's recent struggles at the plate continued. She led offThursday with a doubleand hit a solo home run later in the game, doing her part to make sure she had run support. North Buncombe defeated North Lincoln 4-1. Standings will be put out weekly with each team's win-loss record. Ferguson felt the lack of nonconference play cost her squad in recent weeks, when opponents' level of pitching increased significantly. Despite the fact that Alexander Central struck out three times for the fourth consecutive inning, the Cougars led 3-0 with three innings to play. East Rowans Haley Strange took the loss despite limiting the Cougars (14-3) to three hits. Southern Alamance has won seven state championships all-time, although its last title win came 17 years ago. Top four in the state, that's a big deal. "It was a surreal moment. Watch Here http://4ty.me/36hpq8 STREAMING! "I just tried to stay calm and collected and trust my stuff, and it got the job done. TAYLORSVILLE The last time the Alexander Central softball team faced Southern Alamance, the Cougars managed just one hit in a shutout loss at the hands of the Patriots. "Offensively, we're always ready, always prepared. Game 2 is at 10 a.m. Saturday. There may not be abetter state championshippitching matchup anywherein the country than this one. The Little League players in district 11are ready to start their summer journey. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, 18-wheeler overturns on rainy morning blocking US 64 in Alexander County, Destroy a Bradford pear tree and get a free replacement, Two seriously injured in crash on Tate Boulevard; helicopter flies one victim to hospital, 'On Patrol: Live' -- Brookford Police to be featured on TV show, Concerned parent brings poster of explicit quotes to school board meeting, He's 24 and the new police chief in Town of Brookford; Armstrong: We have the opportunity to really change someone's life, Catawba County Hornets blank Albion 36-0 to win national championship, Newton man faces attempted murder charge in connection with attack at Catawba Valley Medical Center, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus. The Black Hawks now sport a 1-1 record. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Man died Wednesday. She went seven innings, holding the Mustangs to one hit. Although she was able to advance all the way to third on a pair of wild pitches, she was ultimately stranded 60 feet from the plate as Pickens struck out the side for a second straight inning. Following a flyout to center from North Buncombes Cheyanne Cable, Mendoza and Lola Whitson both fanned to give Carrigan nine strikeouts during her complete-game shutout. See all the latest scores & stats from your favorite teams! The 2020 campaign was supposed to be North Buncombe's, featuring a big senior class loaded with varsity experience. 2: 0: Both pitchers breezed through the first inning, with Alexander Central (15-3) junior Faith Carrigan retiring the Black Hawks 1-2-3 in the top half of the frame before her counterpart, fellow junior Karlyn Pickens of North Buncombe a 2022 University of Tennessee commit struck out the side in the bottom half. Find Tickets. All rights reserved. 12u all star qualifies for reginals. But she wasn't alone in the first inning, when second baseman Peyton Whitson hit an RBI double and catcher Cheyenne Cable was hit by a pitch and came around to score by pressing the issue on the bases. West Iredell opened the season Monday with a 2-1, rain-shortened victory over Bunker Hill. From staff reports May 12, 2021 May 12, 2021 Updated Jun . A one-out single from Alexander Central pitcher Faith Carrigan was the first hit Pickens allowed, and a hit-by-pitchquickly put another runner on. The variables for North Buncombe come at the plate, where the offense hasn't always been firing on all cylinders this season. Thebest prep softball player in WNC history and one of the area's most gifted all-around athletes in recent memory, Pickens has combined her natural toolswith an indomitable competitive spirit to become an All-American flamethrower atNorth Buncombe. 3 North Buncombe (21-1) vs. No. Church scored on a passed ball later in the inning, as did Hermans courtesy runner, Kaylin Marlowe. The defeat came on the heels of a one-run loss to 4A powerhouse South Caldwell, which handed Alexander Central its only two Northwestern 3A/4A Conference losses this season. Check back often during the tournament for scores, stories, photos and video from the 12 year-old division games. "You have to be completely zoned in on your game," Ferguson said. North Buncombes Peyton Whitson singled to lead off the sixth, but Carrigan induced a force out on the next pitch before striking out Pickens and Kiersten Gosnell to end the threat. Black Hawks swept with pair of one-run losses, Eastern Alamance walks off on Black Hawks in pitcher's duel, 16 years after daughter's murder, Anita King is one of team's biggest supporters, Breakdown and prediction of North Buncombe state championship vs. Eastern Alamance, Karlyn Pickens could become one of WNC's best athletes ever, Black Hawks advance to program's first state championship, What it's like to be on the field with Karlyn Pickens, Black Hawks keeping injured catcher part of playoff run, 2021 regional final loss fueled teamfor this year, Aggression on the basepaths designed to win playoff games, Black Hawks bats go cold in regional final loss, North Buncombe walks off Cox Mill in 1st round, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Hughesmans double to lead off the fourth was the only hit for the Vikings (3-2, 2-1). GREENSBORO In a sea of distraught faces among the North Buncombe softball team Saturday, Julianna Mendoza's stuck out. Alexander Central advances to region final. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. North Buncombe blinked first in a Game 1 pitcher's duelbetween Pickens and Kenna Raye Dark that featured four hits and 26 strikeouts combined, putting the Eagles in the driver's seat in the best-of-three NCHSAA 3A state championship series. Game 1 is at 5 p.m. Friday. "That's just part of the game, stuff like that happens," Pickens said. 10 Roberson (20-6) vs. No. PLAYERS TO WATCH:23 key area athletes this postseason. In the fourth, however, North Buncombe (15-1, 12-0) wasn't able to escape trouble. That's the way it is sometimes.". It certainly shook up Mendoza, who nonetheless had to get right back tocorralling the elite velocity and stuff of ace Karlyn Pickens during the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3A Regional Final. For the most part, though, the Black Hawks and their opponents know what to expect from the 2021 Gatorade State Player of the Year: Lots of strikeouts, not more than a run or two allowed. I kind of knew that's where I wanted to go to begin with," Pickens said. The Black Hawks' lineup is focused on manufacturing runs however they can to support Pickens in the playoffs, and the formula worked in a 4-1 win over the Knights to advance to the third round of the 3A playoffs, Tuesday against Rockingham County. "We tried to be super aggressive.". Two-and-a-half hours later, as theyreconvened in right field with the trophy in hand, their would-be starting catcher was again part of the huddle joining the postgame celebration viaFaceTime. Pickens' first 14 outs came via the strikeout. The streak would have reached 15 if not for a wild pitch allowing a strikeout victim to reach base. The Black Hawks entered last year's regional final against Alexander Central 15-0, with the few early-round playoff games their only chances to play anybody outside of their conference. She'll face off against UNC signee Kenna Raye Dark, who pitched the Eagles to the 2019 championship as a freshman and has a 0.46 ERA this year. They entered Tuesday nights 3A West Regional championship game with four straight wins by a combined score of 23-4, including three shutout victories. "But they had a big season. Carrigan blooped a single over shortstop on the first pitch of her at-bat and was replaced by courtesy runner Payton Campbell. "Everybody was on point today. The Blackhawks go into the non-league battle with a 3-0 record. In the top of the fourth of Thursday's second-round playoff game against North Lincoln, the North Buncombe softball ace stuck her glove out ata hard line drive. UNC commit Cameron Padgett pitched a one-hitter for the Mustangs. They get after it, just like all the players do, but theyre very talented and they have stepped up big time for us this year.. "That's just part of the game, stuff like that happens," Pickens said. 6 Rockingham County (24-2), No. North Buncombes best chance to score came in the fifth. 641 US Hwy 221 North, Rutherfordton, NC. 62 years as a barber in Hickory: Clemons shares advice he received, love of pintos and cabbage, Hickory man sentenced to 50 years on child pornography charges, Granite Falls driver headed to NHRA Gatornationals, Catawba County Sheriff's Office seeks suspect in robbery of Newton convenience store, Startown Elementary, Maiden Middle win state archery titles, Letter: Store closing because of its 'woke' views, H.S. In the top of the fourth of Thursday's second-round playoff game against North Lincoln, the North Buncombe softball ace stuck her glove out at a hard line drive.