Lady Falcons set for rematch at lower state title game

By Chad Rhoad
Editor/ The Messenger
Published: May 9, 2008

DARLINGTON – The Lady Falcons’ varsity softball team has been ranked number one in Class AAA state nearly all year and have been pursued by opposing teams. Wednesday night, they continued their impressive play with a 2-0 victory over Brookland-Cayce to propel them into the lower state title game and a rematch with Midland Valley.

According to Darlington head coach Tim Wiley, Wednesday’s game was a pitching duel. Stacy Weatherford took the mound for the Lady Falcons and pitched a complete game shutout, her third of the playoffs.

The Lady Falcons’ first run, and the first run of the game, came off of the bat of Cat Gainey, who blasted a solo homer to give Darlington a 1-0 lead in the third inning, according to Wiley.

Darlington’s other run, the second of only two in the game, came from a flurry of hits the Lady Falcons recorded in the sixth inning, Wiley said.

The game ended 2-0 and will send Darlington back to Midland Valley, whom the will have to defeat twice to advance to the state title series.

“They played determined,” Wiley said of his team’s performance Wednesday night. “They played good defense. They are ready to go back to Midland Valley.”

When asked about pitcher Stacy Weatherford and her cluster of shutouts in the playoffs, Wiley responded simply, “She’s tough. When she gets in that groove, have mercy on the opponent.” Wiley said the rematch with Midland Valley has the team focused. “[The team] didn’t like the way the first game turned out, so we are going down there with a whole different attitude. We are going to play hard.”

Wiley said he knows it is going to be difficult to travel and beat the team twice at their home field, but he feels as if the team is ready.

“It’s going to be tough, but [Midland Valley] doesn’t have as much talent as we do. If we get that first game, it will put a lot of doubt on their mind.”

Wiley has the experience of being on both sides. Darlington has hosted teams just as Midland Valley is and has been forced to travel and play as they are tonight. The girls and the coaches have all been through this and the playoffs many times before.

“There won’t be a lack of effort,” Wiley said. “We’re ready.”