North Stafford softball thrives, looks to playoffs

The North Stafford High School softball team has wrapped up its third straight Commonwealth District regular season title and qualified for the upcoming Northwest Region playoffs.

This Wolverine squad might have the best chance to make a deep run in the playoffs because not only do they have solid pitching, senior Nikki Black has posted a 15-1 record with 170 strikeouts. She is also yielding less than one run per game.

According to coach Pam Kantor, Black’s ability to mix up her pitches is the reason for her success.

“Last year everyone looked for her rise ball, but this year she is using her change, drop, screw and curve throughout the entire game to throw off hitters,” Kantor said.

Kantor added that this year’s team is the best hitting team she’s ever had at North Stafford.

“We have a variety of players who can go up from the left or right side depending on the situation. You don’t see this kind of versatility in your line-up very many times, if ever, in your coaching career,” she said.

Ashley Scroggin and Laura Kelly have power and the team's number six hitter is batting over .550. Kantor is also quick to praise and rightfully so, assistant coach Bonnie Thomen.

“She has been a tremendous impact on this team and has been an integral part of our success this year. She deserves much more credit than she receives,” Kantor said.

The seniors on the team are extremely talented and know the game inside and out. Kantor said she is really going to miss them.

“Each of them will make North Stafford proud in years to come,” the veteran coach said.

The Wolverines have seven senior starters.

In lacrosse news, the Commonwealth District lacrosse tournament began Saturday with just one game. Evan Johnson scored five goals and Brooke Point High

School moved into the semi-finals with a 17-5 win over Stafford High School. Paul Hummer collected three goals and Robert Spelman recorded six assists for the Black-Hawks.

Mike Neville is sports director at the local Comcast cable channel. Contact him at info@stafford countysun.com.