The Settler

Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Kristen Salter Freshman Leah Hensley throws a fast ball at Thursday's game against Hiwassee College.

Media Credit: Kristen Salter Freshman Jordan Garrett takes second base in Thursday's win against Hiwassee College.

The Volunteer State Community College softball team dominated the Lady Tigers of Hiwassee College on Thursday.

The victory can be credited to a fine pitching performance and stellar offensive production.

Freshman pitcher Leah Hensley of Camden threw a seven-inning shutout.

Hensley finished the day with eight strikeouts.

Hensley was assisted by the offensive production from the Lady Pioneers.

In the bottom of the second, there was an offensive explosion.

Freshman Kacy Meek started the action with a two-run jack to left center.

Later in the same inning, sophomore Tiffany Mattingly blasted a two-run homer to give the Lady Pioneers a five-run lead.

From that point on, the Lady Pioneers dominated every facet of the game.

Hensley's change-up continued to be a go to pitch.

The Hiwassee players were kept off balance throughout the game.

The Lady Pioneers have been surprising all year.

They were not expected to have a very good year since freshmen make up the majority of the team.

But the young players are stepping it up and really contributing.

"Considering their youth, they are doing well, they are all freshmen except for three players," said Vol State fan David Hayes.

Weather has continued to be a factor for the team but they have battled through it.

"I don't think it has been that much of a factor. It affects all teams not just this one," said Hayes.

"Both softball and baseball have been affected by the bad weather," said Athletic Director Bobby Hudson. "One day, the weather is great and the next, it is 30 degrees. It is hard to be consistent with weather like that."

The next home game for the Lady Pioneers is scheduled for Tuesday at 2 p.m. against Columbia State Community College.

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