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[Lynn Burke]

Woodside softball team overcomes injuries
By Dave Johnson | djohnson@dailypress.com

HAMPTON -- Back in preseason, Woodside softball coach Mike Tallon said his team could end up being "average to good." Keep in mind, that somewhat-tepid endorsement came before a rash of injuries that forced him to reshuffle his lineup.

But with Wednesday afternoon's 2-0 victory over Kecoughtan, the Wolverines are in sole possession of third place in the Peninsula District standings - a game behind co-leaders Gloucester and Warwick in the loss column. With three kids still on the shelf and others playing different positions, Woodside has managed do more than just stay afloat.

"We're really, really happy about it," Tallon said of his team's 6-2 start. "And we could actually be pretty good if a couple of those kids are able to come back."

March was an eventful month. Right fielder Simone Harvard is out with a third-degree ankle sprain; left fielder Matrica Hale is unable to play because of a knee injury; and second baseman Jonishe Hargrave has a broken finger that has limited her to pinch-running duties. Third baseman-turned-left fielder Lauren Sepulveda only recently returned from a shoulder injury.

Tallon has juggled the lineup out of necessity, and it's worked out.

"I guess all of our players are all-around players," shortstop Daisy Estevez said. "Everybody's adjusted."

Woodside had only three hits on Wednesday, each coming in the first three innings, but it turned out to be enough.

The Wolverines' first run came when Hargrave scored on Monique Lee's safety squeeze bunt in the second inning.

Woodside took a 2-0 lead in the third on Estevez's two-out single to center that scored Christie Hoeffer from second base.

Kecoughtan (5-3) had only one hit, a fourth-inning single by pitcher Katie Alexander, but still left four in scoring position.

Each time the Warriors threatened, pitcher Regina Rodriguez and first baseman Gabbie Adino switched places.

Kecoughtan had runners at first and second with nobody on in the second, but Adino came on to strike out the side.

The Warriors had two on with one out in the fifth, but Adino moved over to again strike out the side.

Adino, a freshman left-hander, struck out seven in 32/3 innings of relief.

"Gabbie's more of a power pitcher, and Regina is more of a finesse pitcher," Tallon said. "So we like to do that because they're so different."

WOODSIDE 2, KECOUGHTAN 0

Woodside 011 000 0 - 2 3 3

Kecoughtan 000 000 0 - 0 1 1

WP - Rodriguez (5-1). LP - Alexander (4-3). Standout - Woodside, Hoeffer 2-3 (run). Records - Woodside 6-2; Kecoughtan 5-3. «

[The Clutch Hitter]

Great Job Woodside!!! Keep Up The Great Work! Hard Work And Dedication Pays Off!

[HPT_transplant]

Alexander also had 13 K's in that game and only gave up 3 hits. Here's a question for you softball fans: Should a pitcher ever lose with that kind of effort? A caught fly ball by the left fielder and a coach that calls something other than a fastball and maybe they're still playing. I'm hearing that KHS was not only out-played but, gasp, out-coached. Hats off to Tallon of Woodside working with the team he has. Obviously it is paying off, injuries and all. PD softball has a lot of talent this year. Maybe all coaches in the district could learn something from Tallon.

[The Clutch Hitter]

I agree with HPT Transplant. Coach Tallon is a wonderful coach for the Woodside girls! He has great knowledge of the game! The two freshman Hoeffer and Andino have brought alot of talent to this team along with the girls returning from last year! I am expecting big things from them in the 2nd half of season!

GOOD LUCK!!!!