DOBSON, N.C. — Patrick & Henry Community College softball made a statement on opening day of the Region 10 Division III Tournament, going 2-0 on Friday at Fisher River Park to punch its ticket to Championship Saturday.

The Patriots opened the day with a 9-1 win over Surry Community College, breaking the game open with a dominant seven-run fifth inning.

Sophomore Allison Brooks (Stuarts Draft, Va.) got things started in the inning, followed by a two-run double from sophomore Morgan McCrary (Bassett, Va.), a two-run single from freshman Brooklynn Hicks (Covington, Va.), and another two-run knock from freshman McKenzie Cobb (Yanceyville, N.C.) as the Patriots took full control.

P&HCC had already grabbed momentum earlier in the game behind RBI hits from sophomore Laura Brown (Verona, Va.) and sophomore Hannah Haynes (Virginia Beach, Va.).

The Patriots kept that energy rolling into their second game of the day, knocking off top-seeded Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute 5-3 behind a dominant performance from sophomore Aris Smith (King George, Va.).

Smith struck out 12 and went the distance, setting the tone in another high-stakes matchup.

Offensively, P&HCC struck early once again, with McCrary delivering an RBI double and Cobb driving in two runs with a single in the second inning. Cobb finished with three RBI to lead the Patriots, while the lineup continued to apply pressure throughout the game.

With the two wins, the Patriots sit at 2-0 and control their path heading into Saturday.

Head Coach Robbi Campbell loved the way his team showed up on the big stage.

"This was a complete team effort today," Campbell said. "We came out aggressive, stayed locked in all day, and played with confidence. That's the energy you want in tournament play. We've put ourselves in a great position, but we're not done yet."

Earlier in the day, Caldwell defeated Surry 10-1, setting up a championship matchup between the Patriots and the Cobras.

P&HCC will take on Caldwell on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. in the championship game. If needed, a second game will follow shortly after.

For updates and full tournament coverage, visit phccsports.com.