Taylor Stapleford delivered a dominant performance on the mound Monday, striking out 12 and allowing just one hit in a complete-game shutout as the Rising Sun Varsity Tigers topped the North Harford Varsity Hawks 2-0.
The Tigers struck early, scoring in the first inning on a double by Gemma Brand. They added another run later, with RBIs coming from Brand and Adrienne Secor.
Both teams showcased solid pitching, but Stapleford proved the difference, walking just one batter over seven scoreless innings. North Harford’s Ashlie McMillan pitched well in the loss, going six innings with five hits, two runs, and two strikeouts.
At the plate, Hannah Patterson led Rising Sun, going 2-for-2 from the eighth spot in the order. The Tigers were flawless defensively, committing no errors, with Aubrey McCoy recording a team-high nine chances in the field.
Jenna Trzeciak had the lone hit for North Harford in three at-bats.
The Tigers now advance to the Regional Championship game on Wednesday against the North East Indians
