South Stanly softball falls at home in third-round playoff game

Playing for the fourth time this season, the South Stanly and Union Academy softball teams met Monday in the third round of the NCHSAA 1A state playoffs.

Rains delayed the start and the top of the first inning, and the host Rebel Bulls endured a storm of early offense from the visiting Cardinals. Union Academy put up four runs in the first inning and never trailed, eliminating South Stanly from the playoffs, 14-0, in six innings.

The Cardinals (17-7) drew three consecutive walks to start the game before officials stopped play for several minutes because of the rain.

After a fielder’s choice at third score a run, Shelby Brooks stepped up and drove a line drive over the fence in left-center field.

Union Academy scored at least one run in five out of six innings, including a five-run top of the sixth.

The Cardinals had 13 hits in the game, including Carlie Grainger, who was 3-for-4 with two home runs.

South Stanly (14-7) was limited to three hits in the game by Union Academy starter Avery Wilson. Riley Dennis was 1-for-2 with a double while Mary-Ryan Hinson and Kinsley Tyson both had hits.

Hinson, Dennis and Cassidy Smith are the team’s three seniors this year.

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