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 was not allowed to run as to not hinder her healing process. After each time she stepped foot on first base, Carlton quickly stepped off to purposely get herself out.

During the game, Carlton was walked during her first at-bat. For her second time at the plate, Carlton hit a single to right field, driving in Autumn Cookson. She hit another ball to centerfield during the second inning, once again allowing Cookson to score. Carlton later drove in a third run for Gloucester. She finished the game with two hits for four at-bats and three RBIs.

“It has been a wonderful career here at GHS playing softball,” said Carlton. “It just wasn’t the ending I was hoping for.”

Avery West started in the circle, pitching three perfect innings and striking out seven batters. Cookson followed with two perfect innings with five strikeouts to finish the game.

West added three hits, including a double, triple and four RBIs, while Cookson chipped in with a double and two RBIs.

Cameron Palas had three hits for three at-bats, recording her 100th hit of her career. The junior catcher surpassed her 100th RBI milestone earlier in the season. Tessa Carteret had four hits during the game, while Kyndall Sales recorded two hits and five RBIs.

The Lady Dukes will be back in action on Tuesday in the region semifinals as they will face the winner of today’s Smithfield and Manor game. First pitch will be a 5 p.m. at the Stoney Run Athletic Complex in Newport News. Admission will be $10.