The Gloucester High School varsity softball team celebrated its sole senior, Samantha Carlton, during its home game against Woodside last Thursday, defeating the Wolverines, 25-0, in its final regular season game.
Carlton had been a starting shortstop for the Lady Dukes since she first joined the team her freshman year and was expected to earn her 100th career hit and RBI this season. She closed her junior season with 80 hits and 74 RBIs.Before the season began, Carlton tore her ACL on a skiing trip in Harrisonburg, ending her senior year of softball before it could begin.
“I told her we still needed her to be all in,” said coach David “Red” Lindsay. “And with her being our only senior, we needed her leadership. Sam is at practice almost every day and will be vocal when she feels the need.”
“My leadership role was a huge adjustment,” said Carlton. “Not only was it an adjustment for me, but it was an adjustment for our team.”
Carlton was permitted to play during the Woodside game, but w...