Richard Bland Splits At Patrick Henry 10-2 (5), 1-2

MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Freshman Mary Simms/Orange had two hits and two RBIs, and sophomore Kamryn Lanier/Chester had two RBIs in the first game, while freshman Kayla Hand/Chesapeake had one RBI in the second game, as Richard Bland split a Region 10 softball doubleheader at Patrick Henry on Sunday in Martinsville.  Freshman Joana Holland/Manassas earned the pitching victory in the 10-2, five-inning opener for the visiting Statesmen (22-13, 11-9 Region 10), and sophomore Brooklynn Bilyard/Culpeper took the pitching setback in the 1-2 nightcap against the host Patriots (13-21, 3-13 Region 10).

In game one, Richard Bland scored 10 runs on 10 hits … with two runs each in the first and second innings, and six runs in the third inning.  The Statesmen 10-0 through three innings toward the shortened run-rule triumph.

Simms was 2-3 with a double, two RBIs and a walk, while Lanier was 0-3 with a sacrifice fly and two RBIs.  Freshman Jez Chitty/Stafford was 2-2 with two runs, one RBI and a stolen base, classmate Katie Haney/Burkeville was 2-3 with a triple, three runs, one RBI and a stolen base, and freshman Skyler Bagnall/Ivor was 2-3 with a double, two runs and one RBI.

Holland (5-2) started in the circle and pitched the 5.0 innings, scattering five hits and two runs, both earned, with two strikeouts and two walks.

In game two, Richard Bland scored one run on nine hits … with the lone run in the seventh inning after PHCC scored two runs in the third inning toward the final one-run margin.

Hand was 1-1 with a sacrifice and one RBI, while Chitty was 2-2 and freshman Allison Jarrett/Virginia Beach was 2-3 with a double, one run and a stolen base.

Brooklynn Bilyard (7-4) started in the circle and pitched the first 2.1 innings, allowing two hits and two runs, both earned, with one strikeout and four walks.  Freshman Megan Vincent/Boykins tossed the final 3.2 scoreless innings, yielding two hits with two strikeouts and one walk.

Richard Bland will complete its regular season with a pair of Region 10 doubleheaders this week, including at home to host Patrick Henry on Saturday, April 28, at 12 p.m. at the Statesman Softball Field.  The home finale is Sophomore Day and will include a special pre-game recognition of Brooklynn Bilyard, Ashley Fritz, Kay'Lee Justice, Kamryn Lanier and Kara Morris.  The Statesmen are scheduled to play on the road at Surry (N.C.) on Sunday, April 29, at 2 p.m.