West Bladen Softball Shows Grit Against Top-Ranked Midway

West Bladen Softball team photo.

Dunn, NC - Facing one of the toughest teams in the state on the road, West Bladen softball stood toe-to-toe with powerhouse Midway through the early innings before the Raiders pulled away for a 10-0 victory on Tuesday night.

Despite the setback, the Lady Knights have won six of their last eight games and continue to position themselves as a playoff contender with a 6-6 overall record and 3-2 mark in conference play.

Midway, the No. 1 ranked team in the 2A East and a state finalist last season, returned much of its championship-caliber core—headlined by ace pitcher Sarah Autry, who posted a near-impossible 0.16 ERA last year.

The Raiders brought that same intensity to the diamond Tuesday night, but West Bladen made them work for every run. The game remained tight early, with West Bladen trailing just 1-0 heading into the bottom of the third inning.

Midway slowly extended its lead, but the Lady Knights battled to the final out, showing poise and heart against elite competition.

Senior Allison Hickman set the tone in the circle for West Bladen, recording four strikeouts across 3.1 innings. Her steady presence helped the Knights keep things close early.

Marlene Crabtree came on in relief and pitched 2.1 innings, holding her own against a relentless Midway offense.

At the plate, West Bladen had several bright spots. Natalee Sykes connected for a single, continuing to show confidence in the batter’s box.

Holland Davis also chipped in with a single, putting pressure on Midway’s defense. Addison Wilcox delivered the team’s lone extra-base hit of the evening, lacing a double to highlight the Knights’ offensive effort.

Abigail Dew and Allison Hickman each had quality at-bats, making Midway's pitcher work for every out. Kali Allen and Brenna Hester continued to be steady presences in the lineup, showing their usual grit at the plate.

Marlene Crabtree and Kalli Bass each stepped up with aggressive approaches, while Diyari McKoy and Lauren Douglas remained composed and focused in key spots.

With several conference games still ahead, West Bladen is very much in the playoff conversation and has shown it has the talent and toughness to make a run.

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West Bladen Softball Shows Grit Against Top-Ranked Midway