McCullough powers Appomattox to softball win over Rustburg
Kenadee McCullough of Appomattox belts a deep fly ball off the left field wall with the bases full for a 3-RBI double to give the Raiders a 4-0 lead over Rustburg on Monday at Appomattox County High School. Image: Charles Conrad/Times Virginian

On a Monday night when the brisk, blustery weather was more befitting of a Chicago Bears home football game in December, the defending Class 2 state champion Appomattox Raiders softball team defeated the defending Class 3 state champion Rustburg Devils 5-0 at Appomattox County High School.

The Raiders put up four runs in the bottom of the first inning, powered by sophomore Kenadee McCullough, who smashed a three-run double off the left field wall on a full count with the bases loaded to give her team a 4-0 cushion. McCullough made her first start as a member of the varsity team, filling in at second base. Starting third baseman Carrington Moore was out due to an injury, so regular second baseman Michaela Williams moved to third in her place.

Raiders pitcher Courtney Layne was pitching a perfect game until the top of the fifth inning when the Devils recorded base hits by Katie Donald and Carly Mirakian.

Senior pitcher Eden Brigham, who will join Raiders Layne and Kelsey Hackett on the University of Virginia softball team in 2023, was on the mound for Rustburg.

Appomattox improves to 4-0. Rustburg drops to 4-1.

Find out more in the upcoming issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Pick up a copy or subscribe at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to view the full article in the e-edition version.