Culpeper American eliminates Culpeper National

The Culpeper American team met Culpeper National in the third round of the 9-10 all-star softball tournament Saturday and came away with a 19-7 victory.

The loss knocks National out of the running for the District 14 title, but manager Robbie Patton has been impressed with how his young team has grown in such a short period of time.

“This was definitely a team effort,” he said. “The players and coaches worked together to draft the team and take 13 individuals and turn them into a team. The girls really gelled and we’re really proud of them.”

Meredith Morgan led National from the plate going 2-for-2, while Taryn Tretick finished 1-for-2 with an RBI.

Erynn Gallimore got the start from the pitching mound and struck out four batters in five innings of work. Making plenty of defensive plays behind her was shortstop Kimmie Shanks, first baseman Breonna Washington, second baseman Summer Valdez and third baseman Tiana Johnson.

Culpeper American now has to beat Louisa twice to earn a district title. American will get its first shot today at 6 p.m. in Louisa.