Union Academy sweeps its way to NCHSAA 1-A softball state title

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA--Union Academy won the second game of the NCHSAA 1-A Championship Series on Saturday at Dail Softball Stadium on the campus of N.C. State University against North Duplin 7-4 to earn the 2-0 sweep in the series and give the Cardinals their first state softball championship.

North Duplin opened the scoring in as Reece Outlaw hit a three-run home run in the top of the third inning. In the bottom of the frame, Gracie Hollingsworth, who was named MVP of the series, hit a two-out triple that plated Avery Chaney and Paisley Boatwright to pull the Cardinals back within a run.

In the fifth, Hollingsworth hit a two-run home run to give Union Academy the lead and, two batters later, Gabriella Gama doubled home Riley Griffin to add to the lead. The Rebels pulled one run back in the top of the sixth thanks to an RBI from Melany Sanchez but the Cardinals added two more insurance runs in the home half of the inning to put things away.

Hollingsworth finished the game 2-for-3 with four RBIs and Griffin, Gama and Chaney all added two hits apiece.

For the Rebels, Outlaw went 2-for-4 with three RBIs and Kasey Jones went 2-for-3.

The Rebels finished the season 23-4 and the Cardinals ended 2023 at 25-4.

In the first game of the series on Friday night, Union Academy pulled away for a 13-3 win. 

The Cardinals were leading 5-3 heading into the top of the fifth inning before a seven-run rally opened up the game. In the fifth, Riley Griffin hit a two-run home run to kick-start the rally. Taylor Surratt added an RBI single to center and then scored when Shelby Brooks doubled two batters later. Brooks came around to score on a single from Paisley Boatright and Addison Laney added an RBI single and scored on a passed ball.

Griffin scored on a passed ball in the sixth to give the Cardinals the 10-run lead.

Gabriella Gama finished the night with a game-high three RBIs and a triple. Gracie Hollingsworth added a solo shot.

For the Rebels, 2B Addy Higginbotham went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run and Kasey Jones added an RBI as well.

The NCHSAA is committed to recognizing and promoting good sportsmanship and has partnered with the NC Farm Bureau to honor two student-athletes at each of this year’s championships with Sportsmanship Awards for excellence throughout the season. The 1-A Softball Sportsmanship Award winners were Reece Outlaw from North Duplin and Victoria Mattison from Union Academy.