West Virginia high school softball playoff action delivered thrilling moments this week, with several local teams making strong statements in their postseason openers.
In Short Gap, Frankfort kicked off the Class AA, Region II playoffs with a hard-fought 13-11 victory over South Harrison on Monday. The Falcons (19-10) built a commanding six-run lead, only to see it shrink to two in the seventh inning. With the tying run at the plate, pitcher Sydney Robosson stepped up and induced a crucial groundout to seal the win.
Frankfort broke a 7-7 tie with a four-run fifth inning and added two insurance runs in the sixth. Jocolyn Hurley led the charge, going 2-for-2 with a triple and three RBIs, while Jordan-Marie Owens tripled and scored four times. Elizabeth Crowe added a double, and Robosson contributed two hits and two RBIs. Riley Lynch and Dayahna Imes each chipped in with two singles. Robosson earned the win in relief, allowing four unearned runs over three innings, while Peyton Kimble pitched the first four frames. Emily Squires and Tori Nicholson both doubled for South Harrison (8-16).
Frankfort now travels to face Petersburg (22-4) in a regional winner's bracket game Tuesday at 6 p.m., with the double-elimination tournament format keeping hopes alive for both sides.
Over in Moorefield, the Yellow Jackets (15-15) put on an offensive clinic, racking up 21 hits and capitalizing on 10 errors and seven walks from Berkeley Springs to roll to a five-inning victory in their Class AA, Region II opener. Moorefield exploded for nine runs in the first inning and added seven in each of the next four frames.
Brenna See was a standout, going 2-for-2 with a three-run homer, while Gracie Simmons went 4-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs. Kerigan Bergdall and Raleigh Kuykendall each doubled twice. Annie Barr earned the win in middle relief after starter Anniston Kite tossed two frames of one-run ball, and Makayla Myers closed with two shutout innings. Payton Mizell had three hits, including two doubles, for Berkeley Springs (1-21). Moorefield now heads to Lincoln for a winner's bracket game Tuesday at 6 p.m.
In Baker, East Hardy moved within one win of the Class A state tournament, defeating Tygarts Valley in their Region II playoff opener. With just two teams in the subregion, a three-game series will determine the state representative. Game 2 is set for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Tygarts Valley (5-12).
Madison Strosnider was the star for the Cougars (9-11), going 3-for-3 with a triple, a double, and two RBIs, while also tossing a complete game with 16 strikeouts. She scattered 12 hits and three walks, allowing four runs. Bella Bauserman delivered the go-ahead hit in the bottom of the fifth to break a 3-3 tie, and an error added an insurance run to secure the victory.
These playoff battles showcase the heart and determination of West Virginia's young athletes—qualities that translate perfectly to the field and beyond. Whether you're cheering from the stands or gearing up for your own game, the right gear can make all the difference.