The Appomattox Raiders softball team celebrates with the 2021 VHSL Class 2 Softball State Championship trophy. Image: Charles Conrad/Times Virginian

Courtney Layne pitched her fourth perfect game of the season, and Macee Hargis drove in Kelsey Hackett with a triple to right field in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a scoreless tie and catapult the Appomattox Raiders softball team to the 2021 VHSL Class 2 Softball State Championship title today in Charlotte Court House with a 2-0 win over the Randolph-Henry Statesmen.

It is the first softball state championship for Appomattox County High School since 1987, when current Raiders head coach Janet Rawes was a member of that team coached by Mary Tolley.

Today, the Raiders had bases full in the bottom of the fourth inning but couldn't capitalize on the scoring opportunity.

Hackett led off the top of the sixth inning with her third base hit of the game, a double to center field. Two batters later, Hargis blasted a triple to right field and slid into third base after Hackett touched home plate for the first run of the game.

Layne then grounded into a fielder's choice to second base that brought Hargis in from third for a 2-0 Raiders lead.

Layne retired the side in the sixth and seventh innings. The game ended on a fly ball to left fielder Tori Hoffman. Layne struck out 14 batters.

Raiders right fielder Emily Purcell helped to secure the perfect game for Layne with a spectacular diving catch of a short fly ball in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Raider fans showed up in full force to support the softball girls in their quest to wear to the 2021 state crown.

For full coverage, including interviews with players and coaches, see the upcoming June 30 edition of the Times Virginian.