Local Cobras honored

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute's athletic program held its annual award banquet Tuesday. Awards were presented in volleyball and men's and women's basketball and most of the winners are Caldwell residents.

In volleyball, former South Caldwell player Jennifer Rodgers was named most-improved, while Hibriten product Ashley Rector received the coach's award and Hannah Reynolds (Hickory Christian) was tabbed best all-around.

In men's basketball, Will Swaba was named most-improved, Jonathan Hildebran received the Cobra award and Cameron Walton was the most valuable player. Hildebran and Swaba attended South Caldwell, while Walton is a Hibriten product.

In women's basketball, South Caldwell graduate Kara Hawkins was named the most valuable player, while Candi Taylor (West Lincoln) garnered the coach's award.

Softball

Hibriten whips Patton

The Hibriten softball team bounced back from a tough loss Wednesday and downed Patton 18-5 in five innings on the road.

Hibriten, now 9-4 overall and 7-3 in the Catawba Valley Athletic Conference, racked up 19 hits and scored nine runs in the second and seven in the fourth.

Two Hibriten players knocked in-the-park home runs in the fourth. Hannah Crowe, who was 3-for-3 with five RBIs on the day and also had a double, hit an in-the-park grand slam. Crowe tagged a deep shot to left that rolled to the fence. Then Erica Pratt dinged a two-run homer, also to left.

Pratt finished the day 2-for-4 with three runs driven in. Four other Hibriten batters had two hits, including Sarah Bentley (2-for-3, 2 RBIs), Kayla Brown (2-for-2, RBI), Kristen Oakes (2-for-2, RBI) and Krista Sumpter (2-for-4). Hannah Stephens had a triple.

Ashlyn Pope pitched the first three innings, striking out two and allowing four hits. Oakes came on to pitch the fourth and fifth. She struck out three and surrendered four hits.

Hibriten returns to action today when it travels to West Caldwell (4:30 p.m.).

Alexander tops South

The South Caldwell softball team ran into one of the top teams around Wednesday, losing 7-2 to Northwestern Conference foe Alexander Central.

Megan Laxton won her 12th game in 13 decisions for the 14-1 Cougars, striking out six and walking one. Chastan Hall took the loss for the Spartans, who had five hits.

South returns to the field Friday at home against East Burke, then hosts rival Hibriten on Saturday.

West falls at Bandys

The West Caldwell softball team (0-10 CVAC) had a 2-1 lead in the second inning at Bandys Wednesday, but Trojan Carlee Carpenter led a Bandys rally in the bottom of the frame. Bandys went on to win 18-2 in five innings.

Carpenter drove in six runs in the inning, three each on a home run and a triple. The Trojans scored 12 runs in the second inning and improved to 8-2 in league play.

West returns to action today at home against Hibriten.

MS Soccer

Rival teams tie

The William Lenoir Middle School soccer team played Granite Falls to a scoreless tie Wednesday.

Keeper Aleigha Patterson recorded the shutout in the Wildcat net. William Lenoir also got exceptional play from midfielders Brittany Bolger and Mercedes Hooper, forward Aimee Sinclair and defender Macy Franklin.

The Wildcats are 3-0-1 on the season.