Abbeville wrapping up spring with postseason play
Abbeville – The reward for managing a region schedule for a top four finish is postseason play. Abbeville’s baseball and softball teams managed to earn a spot in the Class AA district playoffs.
At press time (May 6), both teams were hanging on in the playoffs, each facing elimination with one more loss.
The softball team opened the playoffs with a loss to Chesnee but staved off elimination with an incredible 29-17 win over Fairfield Central. Yes, we’re talking softball, not football.
Abbeville banged out 19 hits and took advantage of 10 Fairfield Central errors and eight walks. The Panthers made it difficult on themselves by walking 15 hitters.
In that win, Abbeville totaled seven doubles, two by second baseman Jocelyn Foster, who finished the game with four hits and five RBI. Senior Garianna Burton, who plays centerfield and shortstop, had three RBI and scored four runs in the win.
Outfielder Jairdyn Marshall had three hits, three RBI and scored three runs. She also had four stolen bases as Abbeville swiped 14 bases in the game. First baseman Chloe Mobley got into the offensive attack with a pair of triples among her four hits. She crossed home plate five times.
Other members of this year’s team include Reese Jones, Kaylee Bundrick, Cason Deal, Mary Ashley Williams, Bella Evans, Nadier Kimsey, Lillie Stone, Toni Cannady, Maddie Beiler, Nykeria Jackson and Riley Tiller.
Abbeville’s baseball team opened the playoffs with a 5-4 upset win over Blacksburg but lost their second game in district play to Fox Creek, 13-1.
The Panthers started hot this season, posting 11 wins in their first 13 games. An eight-game losing streak set the progress back but the Panthers won three of their last four games of the regular season before beating Blacksburg.
Senior Hunter Overholt has been a key leader as the No. 1 pitcher and shortstop this spring. He earned the win on the mound against Blacksburg.
Senior Jude Dowis and sophomore Grady Overholt have worked on the mound as well. Ben Overholt, a junior, has been solid behind the plate and his three-run triple in the first inning proved to be a big blast in the win over Blacksburg.
Junior Justin Oglesby has worked at first base with Grady Overholt and Dayne Botts work in the middle.
Two senior leaders in the outfield have been Thomas Booth and Ryan Hughes. Junior Lohen Nickles has also started in the outfield.
Abbeville continued its effort to build a soccer program and the 2024 team managed to compete at a higher level this spring. Though the effort produced just five wins, the foundation is being laid for a brighter and more competitive future.
This year’s team was quite young overall with only four seniors on the roster. The seniors included Eric Burton, Coleton Price, My Lovens Bazile, and Brandt Scott.
The lone junior on the team this spring was Cameron Allen and the only sophomore was Parker Henderson. Rounding out the squad were freshmen Santonio London, Eagen Ashley, Yenqui Ortiz, Brice Williams, Jacob Vasquez, and Jantzen Barnes.
Members of the Abbeville track and field program competed in the region 2-AA meet in late April.
Abbeville produced three individual region champions in the meet. Karson Norman won two events, capturing gold in the 100 and 400 meter sprints. Norman also finished second in the 200 meter sprint.
Nykeis Brown was the region champion in the 110 meter hurdles and finished fourth in the 400 meter hurdles.
Gavin Calhoun was the region champion in the shot put. He also finished third in the javelin and fifth in the discus.
Levi Paul finished fifth in the 400 hurdles and was sixth in the long jump, while Midarius Burton finished fourth in the 110 hurdles.
From the girls team, Ar’Naisyah Gray was third in the shot put, seventh in the discus, and seventh in the javelin.
