Portageville strikes out Dexter on Senior Night

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — In a dominant demonstration of skill and athleticism, the Portageville softball team clinched a resounding 12-2 victory over Dexter at Meatte Park on Wednesday, May 3.

The win was especially sweet for the Lady Bulldogs (12-7) as it was Senior Night and the regular-season finale. The team’s seniors stepped up to the plate, both literally and figuratively, leading the team to victory with their experience and leadership.

“I was very happy to have that last win for [the seniors],” said Portageville coach Kelsey Snider. “Our five seniors that played tonight were Jayla Coger, Brianna Harless, Libbie Jo Priggel, Kaylee Womack and Jessica Priggel. They played very well tonight for their last ever regular season game.”

With a strong offensive showing in the third inning, Portageville gained a 4-0 advantage after Glo Farmer scored on a fielder’s choice; Jessica Priggel singled to score Kaylee Womack and Brianna Harless; and Libbie Jo Priggel doubled to score Jessica Priggel.

The Lady Bulldogs added a run in the third inning when Kate Murphy scored on an error and increased the lead to 9-0 in the fourth inning after Ja’Niya Smith tripled to score Laney Stone; Jayla Coger singled to score Smith; and Aubrey Greenwell doubled to score Coger and Farmer.

Dexter narrowed the lead to 9-2 in the top of the fifth inning, but Portageville inflicted the run rule in the bottom of the inning after a single by Jessica Priggel scored Womack and Stone scored on an error.

“We hit very well tonight,” Snider said. “Dexter has a really good pitcher and has good movement on her ball. We were able to stay in our game and hit and get our bunts down when needed. I was proud of them for how they played tonight. Those seniors deserved that win for their last regular season game.”

Greenwell earned the win on the mound after pitching all five innings. She didn’t allow any earned runs on one hit with four strikeouts and one walk.

“She hit her spots and kept Dexter off balance,” Snider said. “[Reece Rone] was behind the plate and caught extremely well tonight. [Ja’Niya Smith] made some amazing plays.”

Amelia Jenkins took the loss after four innings. She surrendered eight earned runs on nine hits with four strikeouts and three walks.

Portageville received the No. 3 seed in the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament and will host Dexter in a rematch on Saturday, May 6 at noon.

__PORTAGEVILLE 12, DEXTER 2, F/5__

Dexter 000 02x x — 2 1 5

P’Ville 041 43x x — 12 9 5

W—Aubrey Greenwell. L—Amelia Jenkins. 2B—Portageville: Greenwell, Libbie Jo Priggel. 3B—Portageville: Ja’Niya Smith.