MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Patrick & Henry Community College softball continued its strong run at the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic on Wednesday, earning a pair of victories at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. The Patriots defeated St. Clair County Community College 9-0 before topping Kaskaskia College 6-1.

With the two wins, P&HCC continued its winning momentum during the spring break trip to Myrtle Beach.

In the opener, sophomore Aris Smith (King George, Va.) delivered a dominant outing in the circle, striking out 11 batters over five shutout innings while allowing just two hits and no walks to lead the Patriots past the Skippers.

P&HCC broke the game open with a seven-run fourth inning. Sophomore Morgan McCrary (Bassett, Va.) started the rally with a two-run single, while freshman Kayli Alvarado (Harrisonburg, Va.) added an RBI groundout. Freshman Trinity Aherron (Danville, Va.) and sophomore Hannah Frink (Vinton, Va.) followed with RBI singles before freshman Allison Brooks (Stuarts Draft, Va.) capped the inning with a two-run inside-the-park home run.

McCrary led the Patriots at the plate, going 2-for-3 while driving in two runs and swiping two bases. Brooks and Alvarado also recorded two RBI each as the Patriots collected six stolen bases and played clean defense, committing no errors. Freshman Sierra Custer (Grottoes, Va.) led the defensive effort with 11 chances.

The Patriots carried the momentum into the second game against Kaskaskia, an NJCAA Division I Region 24 program from Illinois.

After Kaskaskia scored in the first inning, the Patriots responded with a decisive fifth inning to take control. P&HCC pushed four runs across the plate after Aherron and Smith each drew bases-loaded walks before sophomore Lily Carola (Union, W.Va.) delivered a two-run single.

Carola also earned the win in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run on five hits with four strikeouts.

Sophomore Laura Brown (Verona, Va.) led the Patriots at the plate with two hits in two at-bats, while sophomore Hannah Haynes (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Carola each drove in two runs. Freshman McKenzie Cobb (Yanceyville, N.C.) showed patience at the plate, drawing three walks as P&HCC totaled nine walks in the contest while adding three stolen bases.

Head Coach Robbi Campbell praised the team's continued energy and execution throughout the tournament.

"Our team has really embraced the opportunity to compete this week," Campbell said. "We've had strong pitching, great effort defensively, and our hitters are doing a good job staying patient and capitalizing when opportunities come up. It's great to see the team building confidence each day."

The Patriots will return to action Thursday for the final day of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic, beginning with a matchup against Moraine Valley Community College before facing Madison College later in the day.

For the full schedule and tournament updates, visit phccsports.com.