Portageville swings for the fences in 10-0 win over Dexter

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — The Portageville softball team kicked off the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament in style, delivering a powerful performance that saw them dominate Dexter with a flawless 10-0 victory on Saturday, May 6.

The Lady Bulldogs (14-11) impressive showing was a result of their collective effort, with every player contributing to the win. From the batter’s box to the pitcher’s mound, the team played one of its best games of the season and set the tone for the rest of the postseason with a decisive win.

“This win is big for our team,” said Portageville top pitcher Aubrey Greenwell. “I feel like it’s given us the confidence we’ve needed all season. Our team is full of talent and athleticism and despite some of the games that we’ve let slip through our fingers, I think we’re playing to our potential now and showing who we are. We are a completely different team from what we started the season as.”

Portageville's Aubrey Greenwell (1) slides into home base for a run�during a 10-0 win over Dexter in the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament in Portageville on Saturday, May 6, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Greenwell earned the win after pitching all six shutout innings. She allowed two hits with six strikeouts and one walked batter.

“[Greenwell] was definitely on her A-game on the mound Saturday,” said Portageville coach Kelsey Snider. “She has had to step up and pitch a lot this year and I think she has developed into a great ace for us this year. She stayed relaxed and threw one of the best games I’ve seen. I was very proud of the way she performed on the mound.”

The Lady Bulldogs gained a 2-0 advantage in the bottom of the second inning after Kate Murphy scored on a ground out and Greenwell scored on a passed ball.

Portageville's Reece Rone (7) sprints�during a 10-0 win over Dexter in the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament in Portageville on Saturday, May 6, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Portageville increased the lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the third inning after a double by Jayla Coger scored Ja’Niya Smith and a double by Greenwell scored Coger.

“I told the team we had to stay aggressive,” Snider said. “The girls stepped up and played to their fullest potential. [Dexter] got to see what we have to offer on the mound, at bat, and in the field.”

During the fourth inning, the lead was widened to 8-0 in Portageville’s favor thanks to a double by Jessica Priggel that scored Bryleigh Adams and Laney Stone, and runs from Priggel and Smith.

Dexter player cannot hold back the emotions following�a 10-0 loss to Portageville in the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament in Portageville on Saturday, May 6, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“[Priggel] was a standout at the plate,” Snider said. “She has had to step up in centerfield and shown that is her home out there. She is our leadoff batter and one of the girls that I feel confident is going to get a big hit for us or at least get on base someway or somehow. She is really fast and can beat out a lot of slow rollers or if there is an error.”

Priggel increased the lead to 9-0 with a triple that scored Adams in the fifth inning. She finished the game 3-for-4 with a triple, a double, three RBIs and one run.

The Lady Bulldogs inflicted the run rule later in the next inning after Greenwell singled and Smith scored on the throw.

Portageville's Bree Harless (8) takes a swing during a 10-0 win over Dexter in the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament in Portageville on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“I had a lot of standouts in the field and at the plate,” Snider said. “Bryleigh Adams and Laney Stone made some great catches. I was proud of how they performed. Mia Scherer has stepped up at shortstop and made some great plays. Ja’Niya Smith is a standout at the plate and in the field. Reece Rone blocked extremely well. She had a couple of dropped third strikes but didn’t let it get to her and shook it off and went out and performed better for the next batter. Her arm this year is so much stronger and her bat has come a long way.

“Libbie Priggel is one of the best infielders I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach,” Snider continued. “She’s smart out in the field, on the base path and one I can always count on to try and get those extra bases. Jayla Coger is a great hitter and fielder and is one I know will always put the ball in play. Bree Harless is another player that I can always count on to put the ball in play. She has come on strong this year with the bat and I always know with her coming up that a runner will be moved somehow.”

The loss ended the Lady Bearcats’ season at 6-11.

Portageville advanced to play Class 2, No. 3 ranked Kennett (23-8) on Monday, May 8.

“We need to stay focused and locked in while also staying relaxed,” Greenwell concluded. “We play our best when we don’t put so much pressing on ourselves. As long as we focus on our defense and make plays in the field, and also put the ball in play at the plate, we will go far.”

__PORTAGEVILLE 10, DEXTER 0, F/6__

Dexter 000 000 x — 0 2 2

P’Ville 022 411 x — 10 10 1

W—Aubrey Greenwell. L—Amelia Jenkins. 2B—Portageville: Bryleigh Adams, Jayla Coger, Greenwell, Jessica Priggel. 3B—Portageville: Priggel, Laney Stone.