MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Patrick & Henry Community College softball wrapped up its spring break trip Thursday at the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic with a split on the final day at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. The Patriots defeated Moraine Valley Community College 10-2 before falling to Madison College 4-2.

With the results, P&HCC finished the tournament with an impressive 6–2 record and improved to 15–11 overall this season as the Patriots continue their strong stretch of play heading into the start of conference competition.

The Patriots set the tone early against Moraine Valley, scoring three runs in the first inning behind an RBI single from sophomore Kylie Cooper (Wirtz, Va.), a sacrifice fly from sophomore Morgan McCrary (Bassett, Va.), and an RBI groundout by freshman Trinity Aherron (Danville, Va.). Freshman Allison Brooks (Stuarts Draft, Va.) added to the lead in the second inning with an inside-the-park home run.

P&HCC broke the game open in the sixth inning, scoring five runs to seal the 10-2 victory. Freshman Sierra Custer (Grottoes, Va.) singled to bring in a run, sophomore Laura Brown (Verona, Va.) reached on a fielder's choice that scored another, and two Moraine Valley errors allowed additional runs to cross the plate before sophomore Hannah Haynes (Virginia Beach, Va.) delivered an RBI triple. Haynes led the Patriots offensively with a 3-for-4 performance and two runs batted in, while Brooks added two hits and the Patriots swiped four bases in the game.

Sophomore Lily Carola (Union, W.Va.) earned the win in the circle, striking out seven over four hitless innings, while Custer appeared in relief to close out the game.

In the tournament finale against Madison College, the Patriots struck first when McCrary singled to bring home two runs in the opening inning. Madison responded in the third to tie the game before taking the lead in the fourth inning. Despite out-hitting Madison seven to six, P&HCC was unable to complete the comeback in a 4-2 decision.

Freshman Kayli Alvarado (Harrisonburg, Va.) led the Patriots at the plate with two hits, while McCrary drove in both runs and added two stolen bases. The Patriots continued to pressure opponents on the base paths with four stolen bases and played a clean defensive game, committing no errors, with Custer recording 10 defensive chances. Sophomore Aris Smith (King George, Va.) struck out nine batters over five innings in the circle.

Head Coach Robbi Campbell praised the team's effort throughout the week.

"Our team competed extremely well this week against a variety of strong programs," Campbell said. "To go 6–2 in this tournament shows the progress this group has made. Our pitching staff threw the ball well, our defense stayed consistent, and our offense found ways to create opportunities throughout the lineup. It was a great experience for our players and a strong step forward as we move into the rest of our season."

The Patriots will now return from sunny Myrtle Beach and spring break to Martinsville to host Suffolk County Community College in a doubleheader on Saturday, March 15 at Martin Field, with first pitches scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 or three canned goods donated to the Patriot Pantry, and all P&HCC students receive free admission.

For schedules, recaps, and statistics, visit phccsports.com.