Vance Charter sweeps Franklin Academy

Brandon White, Henderson (N.C.) Daily Dispatch
·2 min read

Apr. 21—OXFORD — The Vance Charter softball team kept their perfect record intact on Tuesday afternoon with two easy victories over Franklin Academy in a doubleheader.

Head coach Brian Bunn knew there would be very little room for mistakes in a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic but he continues to be impressed with the overall performance his players have displayed through their first ten contests.

"At the end of the day we're only playing 14 games this year," Bunn said. "These girls have been practicing and practicing, so it always feels good to come out here and play. When you play a doubleheader like this, everyone gets playing time and both games were good victories."

After giving up a run to Franklin Academy to begin the first game, Vance Charter proceeded to go to work by tallying five runs at the bottom of the inning, with junior Bailey Daeke contributing to three of them after knocking the ball out of the park.

Junior Makyiah Simmons added a home run of her own at the bottom of the second inning to strengthen Vance Charter's control of the first game, which ended in the fourth after a 15-run advantage for Vance Charter evoked the mercy rule.

The second game would play out a little slower for Vance Charter. Franklin Academy was unable to generate momentum at the plate but some great plays from them in the outfield limited Vance Charter to two runs.

A strong, eight-run inning for Vance Charter in the third effectively ended any chance Franklin Academy had of a victory on the day. Two more home runs from Makyiah and her twin sister in junior Makayla Simmons wrapped up a near-perfect afternoon for the program.

While Bunn thought his team's hitting could be better, he praised the pitching and defense displayed by Vance Charter during the afternoon. He is confident that Vance Charter can make a run for the state championship as long as they stay on their current trajectory.

"When you get into a situation where you're undefeated with a few games left, you don't want to lose that intensity," Bunn said. "Next week is it and then we jump right into the playoffs where it's one game after the other. These girls have been playing ball a long time but you want to make sure they're ready for the playoffs."

Vance Charter will take part in their final home game of the season on Friday afternoon for senior night when they host Voyager Academy at 5 p.m..