Crawdads big fifth inning huge in win over Suns

The Hickory Crawdads scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning to rally past the Hagerstown Suns 5-2 on Wednesday in Hagerstown, Md.

Hickory had gotten out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth on a run-scoring double by Tomas Telis, but Hagerstown answered with a home run by Kevin Keyes and an RBI double by Wade Moore for a 2-1 lead.

The Crawdads erupted for four runs in the fourth with three of them coming off a bases-clearing triple by Jurickson Profar, who later scored himself on a sacrifice fly by Christian Villanueva.

Jose Monegro got the win for the Crawdads, allowing no hits in three innings of middle relief, while striking out five. Ben Rowen came on in the ninth and closed out the victory to earn the save. 

Crawdads to honor Emergency Service Personnel 

In honor of the 10th anniversary of Sept, 11, 2001, the Hickory Crawdads have announced the details for Emergency Service Personnel Night, which will be held during the Crawdads first home playoff game on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

All emergency service personnel, including members of the fire department, police department, rescue squad, and emergency medical services, along with their immediate families, can receive a free Grandstand Ticket to that playoff game.

Emergency service personnel can secure their free Grandstand Ticket by presenting their emergency service ID at the Crawdads ticket office.

The Crawdads post-season opponent has yet to be determined, but gates will open at 6 p.m. with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. 

VOLLEYBALL

East Burke 3, Bunker Hill 0

The Cavaliers defeated the Bears in straight sets 25-16, 25-18 and 25-19 in a Catawba Valley Athletic 2A match on Wednesday at East Burke.

The Cavaliers (4-1, 1-0 CVAC) got nine assists and four aces from Madison Tallent, while Amber Gillespie had five kills, 10 digs and four aces and Bailey Gragg added four kills, nine digs and an ace.

Cheyenne Pump led Bunker Hill with seven kills and Kara Travis added 10 digs.

The Bears fall to 0-5 on the season and 0-1 in CVAC play. 

Newton-Conover 3, Maiden 1 

The Red Devils opened the CVAC with a win over the Blue Devils at Maiden.

After Maiden won the first set 25-21, Newton-Conover took the next three by scores of 25-20, 25-13 and 25-18.

McKenzie Garrison averaged five kills per game and Alex Williams tallied three kills per game for Maiden. Rachel Houston led the Blue Devils in blocks.

South Iredell 3, West Caldwell 0 

The Vikings took three straight sets from the visiting Warriors in both teams CVAC openers on Wednesday.

South Iredell won by scores of 25-10, 25-14 and 25-21.

Addie Cardwell had two kills, three aces and four blocks to lead West Caldwell, while Ashley Webb contributed two kills, Haley Greene had 19 assists and Erin Davis had 14 assists. 

Alexander Central 3, East Wilkes 0 

The Cougars won a non-conference match over East Wilkes by scores of 26-24, 25-23 and 25-14.

Marah Cockrell led Alexander Central with 10 kills and three blocks, while Lyndsey Detter recorded six aces and 10 assists and Katelyn Windsor and Hannah St. Clair led the defense at the net. 

CVCC plans “Team Day” 

The Catawba Valley Community College volleyball program invites area high school and club teams to “Team Day” on Sept. 3.

Admission will be free to all players and coaches and a Buccaneers souvenir will be given to the first 25 players to arrive. 

There will also be games and competitions during game breaks and activities and informational sessions during intermission. 

CVCC’s cheerleading coach is offering a free cheer clinic from 9-11 a.m. and the cheerleaders will perform during intermission of the first match. 

The volleyball team will play Davidson Community College at 11 a.m., followed by a match between Davidson CC and Toccoa Falls.

CVCC will wrap up the day at 3 p.m. against Toccoa Falls.

For more information, contact Coach Shannon Hudson at cvccvolleyball@yahoo.com. 

SOCCER 

Hickory-Freedom to square off in Patton Invitational final 

The Hickory High and Freedom High boys soccer teams will battle for the championship of the Patton Invitational soccer tournament Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Catawba River Soccer Complex in Morganton.

Hickory advanced to the finals with a 2-0 win over McDowell Tuesday night, while Freedom defeated Draughn 2-0 Tuesday to advance to the championship.

McDowell will face Draughn at 7 p.m. in the consolation game. 

West Caldwell 2, Hibriten 1 

The Warriors defeated the Panthers in a non-conference match at Hibriten on Wednesday.

Ivan Jantes scored on a penalty kick for West Caldwell in the first minute for a 1-0 lead.

Jacob Vasquez evened the score on a header off an assist from Oscar Acila in the 20^th minute to tie the game at 1-all at the half.

Jonathan Nava scored the game-winner for the Warriors in the 25^th minute of an assist from Gabriel Tobias.

Tony Garcia was in goal for West Caldwell with five saves and Drew Bolick was in goal for Hibriten with three saves. 

OTHER 

St. Stephens boosters set up a meeting for parents 

The St. Stephens High Athletic Boosters Club has scheduled a kickoff barbeque for all parents of Indians athletes on Monday.

The event begins at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria and free food is available courtesy of Shell’s BBQ.

A drawing for a $100 gas card will be held from among new members who join the club on Aug. 29.