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Alexander Central outsts Butler

Cougars advance to face Ardrey Kell tonight

By W.D. Fisher | Hickory Daily Record

Published: May 30, 2009

TAYLORSVILLE - Five-time state champion Alexander Central moved within one win from a spot in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A state softball final four with a 3-2 win over Butler in the third round at Central Park Friday.

"I am so proud of this team for all that they have done," said Alexander Central head coach Monte Sherrill. "Our club pulled one out of the hat."

It was also the Cougars' first win in five tries against three-time defending 4A state champions Butler in postseason play.

"It wasn't a pretty game, home team won but I don't have a problem losing to a team that can play softball," said Butler head coach Brian Cotton.

Alexander Central (27-1), the top seed out of the Northwestern 4A faces Ardrey Kell (22-4), the second seed out of the Southwestern 4A at 7 p.m. today at Central Park with the winner advancing to the final four.

Ardrey Kell advanced to today's game by defeating Crest 17-4 Friday.

Ardrey Kell has outscored its first three opponents in the playoffs 30-5, and the last two 28-5 while Alexander Central has outscored its first three opponents 18-4.

The Cougars are seeking their first trip to the final four since 2001.

The Cougars are ranked first in 4A in the North Carolina High School Softball Coaches Poll and fifth nationally in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll.

Ardrey Kell is ranked sixth in the NCHSSC poll.

Friday's game was resumed in the top of the fifth with Butler at bat and the score tied at 1-all after it was suspended due to inclement weather on Tuesday and was unable to be played Wednesday or Thursday as a result of continuing rain.

The Cougars erased a one-run deficit with two runs in their final two at bats off two hits.

Alexander Central scored what proved to be the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth.

Megan Laxton started the inning with a walk, advanced to second on a single by Jessica Childers, third on a sacrifice bunt by Brittany Loudermilt and scored on a sacrifice fly to left field by Jordyn Setzer for the final score.

While Setzer was providing the heroics offensively, left fielder Laxton and second baseman Lauren Elder defensive play ended the game.

Butler's Melinda Collins line drive just missed being a home run by several feet off the left-field fence.

Trying to stretch it into a double and put the game-tying run at second with two outs, Collins was thrown out at second as Laxton threw the ball into Elder to tag out Collins at second for the game's final out.

Despite her four wild pitches that led to both runs, Wilkinson finished with 12 strikeouts and one walk in seven innings.

"That's the mark of a good pitcher," said Sherrill.