North Lenoir Dominates Southwest Edgecombe in First Round of State Playoffs, 19-4

The North Lenoir Hawks cruised past the Southwest Edgecombe Cougars with a dominant 19-4 victory in just three innings during the first round of the NCHSAA state playoffs.

After giving up an early two-run homer to Mackenzie Moore in the top of the first, the Hawks responded with five runs of their own in the bottom half and never looked back. They exploded for 12 runs in the third inning, batting through the lineup and sealing the run-rule victory.

Leading the offensive charge was Alyssa Hatcher, who went 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Hatcher delivered a two-run double in the second inning and added two more RBI singles in the third.

Hallie Fowler had a strong all-around performance, going 1-for-1 with three walks, four runs scored and two RBIs. Maddie Rouse contributed as well, finishing 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Rouse also earned the win in the circle, pitching all three innings, allowing four runs and striking out seven.

With the win, the Hawks advance to the second round, where they’ll travel to face Roanoke Rapids on Friday evening.

After the game, head coach Colby Miller praised his team’s resilience: “We were a little flat coming out in the first inning, and I’m super proud of how we picked it up. I think we did a great job—that’s the energy we need to carry throughout this playoff run.”

Rouse reflected on her pitching performance, saying, “This was probably the best game that my spins have been working all season.” Hatcher added about her approach at the plate, “I was just seeing the ball really well tonight. She was throwing mostly inside on me, which I tried to pull as best as I could.”