The Appomattox Raiders softball team is headed to the Region 2C championship game Thursday after shutting out the Liberty (Bedford) Minutemen tonight 5-0 in the semifinal round at Appomattox County High School.

Tonight's game was scheduled to be played at the Botetourt Sports Complex in Troutville, a neutral site. However, it was moved to the higher seeded team's home field in Appomattox due to a loss of power and water at the Botetourt facility.

Appomattox will square off Thursday at 6 p.m. against Patrick County, which defeated Floyd County tonight 15-11, according to MaxPreps. If another change in location is made, it will be announced. Otherwise, the game will be held at the Botetourt Sports Complex.

Appomattox and Liberty engaged in a pitcher's duel until the Raiders broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth inning when Paisley Mann scored from third base on a fielder's choice ground ball by Myah Kelso. With bases loaded, Makenzie Elliott also scored from third on a single to right field by Kaleigh Maner for a 2-0 lead.

Appomattox tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. With two runners on base, Liberty overthrew an infield put out attempt to first base on Mann's bunt, allowing Bailey Hamilton to cross home plate for a 3-0 lead.

The next batter, Elliott, popped a fly ball into short left field for a base hit, bringing home Kenadee McCullough. Kelso then grounded out to second base but Mann scored on the play to put the Raiders ahead 5-0.

Appomattox pitchers Bree Carrico (starter, 4 innings) and Mann (reliever, 3 innings) hurled seven strikeouts apiece. The Raiders extended their shutout streak to 10 games.

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