Forrest sticks too much for Viqs

Viqueen shortstop Courtney Vassar makes a throw to first base. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

CHAPEL HILL -- Forrest put a run on the board in every trip to the plate and showed why they're the defending Class A state champions by downing Community 10-0 in the District 9-A tournament Tuesday.

After scratching across a single run in each of the first two innings, the Lady Rockets (21-5) took advantage of some defensive miscues to tally seven scores in the bottom of the third.

"That one inning where we had several errors really pulled us out of the game more than anything," second-year Community coach Libby Frost said.

Top-seed Forrest advances to the winners' bracket final against No. 2 seed Cascade on Saturday at noon. Community drops down to the losers' bracket to take on Eagleville earlier that morning.

The Viqueens (12-15) must win three straight games to get to the tournament finals in order to earn a berth to the Region 5-A tournament.

"I know that it's going to be a battle," Frost said, "but I feel like the girls are hungry enough that they're going to start battling no matter who we face from here on out. I think we've got a chance. I don't think they're ready to quit. I don't think they're ready to be done with softball yet."

Community's CorrieAnn Hickerson gets tagged in the face while attempting to steal second base. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Courtney Vassar led off the game with a single for the Purple and Gold. But Rocket pitcher Shelby Stinnett no-hit the Viqs the rest of the way. Stinnett finished with nine strikeouts against just one walk.

Amber Woods went all four frames on the bump for Community. She gave up nine hits, five walks and was victimized by six unearned runs.

Rachel Curtis homered and singled for Forrest. Stinnett and Haley Mathis doubled and singled.