Alexander Central softball sets North Carolina winning streak state record

Tom Mauldin
Updated

Photo courtesy of Team Hajer Photos

Alexander Central's Tiana Batts slides in the game where her team set the North Carolina winning streak record.

In beating West Iredell 10-0 on Tuesday, Alexander Central (Taylorsville, N.C.) won its 84th-straight game and put its name in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Record Book.

Alexander Central last lost on March 5, 2013 (5-4 to St. Stephens), a span of 778 days.

Photo courtesy of Team Hajer Photos

Kiana Millsaps, Alexander Central

The Cougars, coached by Monte Sherrill, have won five NCHSAA state championships, including titles in 2013 and last year, when the Cougars were 35-0 and finished No. 2 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Softball Rankings.
Central Cabarrus held the North Carolina record of 83, with a streak that ran from 2004 into 2006, and guess who the coach was: Sherrill

During their win streak, the Cougars have outscored their opponents 944-91. More than half of the 85 victories (43) have been shutouts.

"I knew what it was like (to win that many), but this is experiencing it with different girls and a different program," Sherrill said. "It was a credit to Central Cabarrus when we set it at 83, and it's even more of a credit to set it here at home at Alexander Central.

"That's a record that I just don't see ever being broken. I think it's a credit to what we bring to the table at practice and at games every day."

Photo courtesy of Team Hajer Photos

Vada Sherrill, Alexander Central

The Cougars added to the streak with a 10-0 win over Lake Norman on Wednesday and according to the National Federation of State High School Associations are now tied with No. 4 Madden Lake (Miss.) at 85. The Cougars have their sights set on No. 3 Simpsonville (S.C.) which had 96 straight wins in 2002-2004.

No. 1 all-time is Vanderbilt Catholic (La.) with 112 (1980-83).

The reason for Sherrill's success?

"We practice hard," he said. "A lot of people say that, but we're out here for four hours, and it's Marine Corps boot camp every day.

"But I think it's a credit to being from where we're at from this region … and I believe the hard work pays off. We're certainly proud of the kids."