By By Matthew Nascone
In a time-shortened six-inning game, Northview sophomore pitcher Amber McMillan was one hit away from a perfect game.
The Lady Chiefs defeated Enterprise High School 1-0 in the Dothan Tournament at the West Gate Softball Complex Saturday.
All games in the tournament were played on a 75-minute time limit and McMillan faced the minimum 18 batters in six innings. She allowed one hit, struck out five batters and walked none.
"Amber's changeup was very effective for us," NHS head coach Stephanie Elowsky said. "She was able to keep their hitters off balance. She was able to hold a good team to only one hit."
Elowsky said the pitching was not the only reason the Lady Chiefs (2-4) grabbed their second win of the season in as many games.
"We had a solid defensive performance out there," she said. "We did not make an error, which is vital against good teams."
The lone run of the game came in the first inning of the game. Sophomore outfielder Aimee Clarke reached base on an error. Junior outfielder Briana Halteman sacrificed Clarke to second and Clarke scored on a line drive single by sophomore third baseman Candice Greenwell.
In the second game of the tournament for NHS, the Lady Cougars from Northview (Ala.) High School jumped on the Lady Chiefs early, scoring six runs in the first inning of a 9-1 victory Saturday.
"We played good defense, but Northview just hit the ball where we weren't," Elowsky said. "They are a good hitting team and they connected with the ball at the right time."
The Lady Chiefs lone run came in the third inning when senior left fielder Olivia Godwin scored on an RBI single by Halteman.
Halteman was 1-for-2 on the night. Godwin was 1-for-1. Freshman Miranda Burkett was also 1-for-2 and freshman Ashley Digmon was 1-for-1.
McMillan (2-1) took the loss for NHS, allowing nine runs on 10 hits in three innings. She struck out two batters and walked one.
Elowsky said the tournament was a good experience for the team.
"Overall, I am pleased with our performance in the tournament," she said. "It was a good experience for the girls to play teams that we have not seen before. The tournament will help us with our upcoming district games."
The Lady Chiefs faced Walton at home yesterday in the first district game of the season. Results will be in an upcoming Advance. Up next for the squad is another district game at home against South Walton Thursday. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. for the JV game.