Colleton Prep softball knew it would be a battle for the SCISA 2A crown against an impressive Pee Dee Academy squad. On Tuesday night with their backs against the wall, the War Hawks rose to the challenge on their home field to force a third and decisive game in the championship series.
Haley Bootle threw a strong complete game in the circle while picking up a pair of clutch hits at the plate, and Colleton Prep held off the Golden Eagles 5-4 to come within one win of a state title.
The home team got the bats rolling quickly, scoring three first-inning runs to race out to a 3-0 lead. Weslin Jones and Taylor Tomedolskey drew a pair of walks to start it off, and Bootle laid down a dazzling bunt single to load the bases before the trio of runners scored thanks to a passed ball and an error.
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Colleton Prep tacked on another in the second, as Makenzie Pellum took first via a walk and crossed the plate on a miscue by the catcher. But the Golden Eagles put up a big third inning, plating a trio of runs on three hits and an error to shrink the lead to just one. Bootle helped out her own cause in the bottom of the fourth, driving a ball to left field and scoring Jones to give her team a crucial insurance run, stretching the lead to 5-3.
Pee Dee heightened the drama in the top of the seventh, as Jordan Perritt got a two-out rally started with a double before Gracyn Hyatt drove in the sophomore to cut it to 5-4. But Bootle dug in and finished the job, retiring Allison Carter to seal the victory and even the championship series.
The standout pitcher delivered another solid performance against a lethal lineup, allowing just three earned runs over the full seven innings while striking out three batters. Bootle also impressed at the plate, picking up a pair of hits including the game-winning RBI knock in the fourth. Jones shined again from the leadoff spot, going 3-for-3 with a walk while scoring twice.
The season now all comes down to one game, as Colleton Prep (15-3) and Pee Dee Academy (27-5) meet for the final time Thursday in a decisive Game 3 at Laurence Manning Academy.
By Wes Kerr