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Warriors ride solid defense in playoffs
MOUNT HOLLY - Already with a 3-0 lead, Crest appeared to have something cooking again.
The cleanup batter connected for a single to shallow right field and the runner on first decided to make a move for third.
The Chargers must have forgotten what kind of defense they were toying with.
East Gaston right fielder Lindsey Greeson showed off her strong, accurate arm and gunned down the runner for the third out of the third inning. The Warriors went on to win the game 7-3 for the Big South 3A/4A Conference tournament championship Thursday.
The play summed up the reason the Warriors believe they can make a strong playoff push: their strong defense.
"It'd be nice if you could go out there and strike out every batter, but that's not going to happen, so you've got to have that defense," East Gaston coach Richard Hawley said.
Michelle Primm usually strikes out more than her fair share of batters, but when her opponent puts the ball in play, she has faith her teammates.
In Thursday's conference tournament championship, the Warriors committed one error, breaking an error-less streak of a half-dozen games or more, Hawley said. Most of these girls have played on the same team for years, and the familiarity obviously helps on the field.
But it all starts in practice, where assistant coach Mac Handsel works them hard in the infield.
"None of the girls are afraid to get dirty or anything at practice," second baseman Blair Collier said. "We've got a lot of hustle on the team."
The usual infield consists of catcher Megan Soots, first baseman Hannah McGee, Collier at second, third baseman Cameron Sealey and shortstop Tameron Sealey. The outfielders are Hayley Black in left, Taylor Hawley in center and Greeson in right.
The Warriors' quest for a state championship begins tonight at 7 when they play host to East Burke. East Gaston advanced three rounds last year before losing to eventual 4A state champion Matthews Butler 4-0.
East Gaston would be at home for at least the first three rounds should it advance. The Warriors have plenty of firepower to make a run, but to go far, coach Hawley believes defense will be key.
"We tell them all the time, you're considered a good batter if you hit .300," Hawley said. "Pitching and defense is going to win seven out of 10 matchups. I know it's a cliché but defense wins championships."
You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.
