CHAMPIONS! Nation Ford softball team wins state title

One sign summed it up the best: "One team, one dream. State champions."

That is exactly what the Nation Ford Lady Falcons softball team is after beating Marlboro County 2-0 to win the best-of-three state championship series two games to none and claim the school's third state championship in its brief four year history.

"It's been four years in the making," said Lady Falcons coach Michael Kidd. "It's been a dream season."

The win also was a nice 37th birthday present for assistant coach Blue Baker.

Led by junior pitcher Bradlee Holeman, who finished the season 26-3, and key hits by sophomore Haley Hammond, senior Devan McCurry and junior Donna Hollingsworth, the Lady Falcons were able to win the game with a total team effort.

McCurry and Hollingsworth were 1-for-3 in the game, but Hollingsworth hit a key home run in the third inning.

Hollingsworth, who had been struggling at the plate, had hit the fence on seven different occasions this season narrowly missing a home run each time. There was no doubt about the one she hit Wednesday.

"I knew right when it came off the bat," she said. "It felt good. I felt like I had accomplished everything I had worked hard for all year."

Although the home run was a solo shot, the tide turned in Nation Ford's favor quickly.

"Donna's home run set the tone," Kidd said.

Holeman walked six batters in the game, including two in the first inning.

Playing in front of a loud and large crowd got to Holeman early, prompting a visit from pitching coach Mark Barfield.

"The other team got to me," she admitted. "But my defense had my back. The past three years we have work toward this and all the hard work paid off."

Holeman allowed only two hits in the game, while striking out 10 Lady Bulldogs.

Barfield, who has been with the team since its first season, came from Indian Land where he was part of eight state championships with the Lady Warriors.

He said it was good to get the ninth one with Nation Ford.

"It's good to get back here again," he said. "I hope we can start a tradition."

In the fourth inning, Holeman gave up her second hit of the game with one out, but the next batter hit into a double play as she grounded back to Holeman, who spun around and threw to shortstop Kim Ryder, who tagged second and threw the ball to first base for the inning-ending out.

In the sixth inning, McCurry singled to lead off. She was replaced by Carolyn Thompson, who ran for her.

Two batters later, sophomore Lauren Kidd singled, pushing Thompson to second base and in scoring position. Pinch hitter Haley Hammond drove Thompson in on an RBI single for a 2-0 Nation Ford lead.

Marlboro County threatened in the bottom of the sixth as Holeman walked three batters to load the bases, but the Lady Falcons got out of the inning as McCurry made a spectacular catch falling down as she was backpeddling on the ball to get the third out.

In the seventh inning, Holeman knuckled down and struck out two of the three batters to end the game and give Nation Ford the state title.

Senior Makenzie Barbor said the win was a mix of emotions. She will be off to college next year.

"It means a lot as a senior," she said. "It was a perfect way to end my senior season."

NATION FORD 2

MARLBORO COUNTY 0

Nation Ford

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Marlboro Co.

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Bradlee Holeman and Abby Barnett (NF), Breanna Skipper and Taylor Cheek (MC).

W - Holeman 26-3, L - Skipper. Leading hitters - Zharne Glover 2-4, Brittany Baker 2-3, Kristina Gomez 1-3, Donna Hollingsworth 1-3. 2B - Kristina Gomez (NF). HR - Donna Hollingsworth (NF). LOB - Nation Ford 7, Marlboro County 8.

Records: Nation Ford 31-3, Marlboro County 27-6.

This story was originally published May 19, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "CHAMPIONS! Nation Ford softball team wins state title."