Allegany softball defeats South Carroll, 9-0, in Class 1A semifinal

Allegany softball pitcher Abi Britton did her job in the top of the first inning, sitting down South Carroll’s first three hitters with two strikeouts and a groundout. When she returned to the circle in the second inning, she had a four-run cushion.

For the ace sophomore, it was more than enough.

Britton was nearly unhittable in Wednesday’s Class 1A state semifinal against the Cavaliers. She struck out 14 in a one-hitter as Allegany, last year’s state runner-up, earned a rematch against champion Patterson Mill with a 9-0 semifinal win over South Carroll.

“I’m so proud of the kids. Abi pitched a great game,” Allegany coach Dave Winner said. “We hit the ball good. Even when we didn’t get on, we didn’t strike out, we hit the ball solid all night. I was just so proud of the girls and just blessed to be with this team. Going to the state championship all season was our goal and we’re back.”

South Carroll had been playing as well as anyone the past month, shaking off a 2-8 start to win eight of its next 10 and earn a regional championship and a trip to the state semifinals. But Britton was too much to handle.