By By Matthew Nascone
Freshman first baseman Hayley Simpson knocked in the winning run in the ninth inning of the Northview Lady Chiefs 5-4 victory over district rival Walton Tuesday night in Bratt.
"I am proud of our girls effort tonight," NHS head coach Stephanie Elowsky said. "And the younger players really stepped up, with nine hits and four RBIs coming from freshman players."
Simpson was 2-for-5 at the plate with two RBIs and one run scored. Freshman second baseman Shawna Montgomery was 4-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.
Junior outfielder Briana Halteman led the bottom of the ninth inning off with her third hit of the game, freshman catcher Emily Vickrey reached on a fielder's choice. Sophomore pitcher Amber McMillan eeked out an infield single and Simpson had a walkoff single to center field.
The Lady Chiefs (3-4, 1-0 Class 3A, District 1) took their only lead of the game prior to the final in the second inning, 2-1. Montgomery plated McMillan and Simpson in the inning with a two-run double.
Walton scored two in the third inning to grab the lead at 3-2 and added one more run in the fifth inning. NHS again put up a two-spot when sophomore third baseman Candice Greenwell smacked a double, scoring Halteman. Simpson tied the game at 4-4 by driving in Greenwell two batters later.
"We kept the pressure on Walton and fought hard to win the game," Elowsky said. "Everyone stepped up and contributed in this win. We had the big hits at the right times."
Halteman was 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Greenwell was 1-for-5 with one double, one RBI and one run scored. Freshman outfielder Sarah Killam was 2-for-4.
McMillan (3-1) threw a complete game for the win. She allowed four runs, three earned, on six hits. She struck out seven Lady Braves and walked two.
The Lady Chiefs squared off with South Walton in another district battle Friday night. The results will be in an upcoming Advance. Up next for the team is their third straight district game against Catholic in Bratt Tuesday. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.