The Gloucester High School varsity softball team beat Denbigh twice this past week.

The Lady Dukes beat Denbigh last Wednesday, April 27, at home, 12-0. Gloucester was off to a good start, scoring three runs in the first inning.

Senior pitcher Jayanna Richards pitched a one-hit shutout. Richards and Samantha Carlton each had two hits. Sadie Bowden had one hit and two RBIs.

The following day, the Dukes traveled to Denbigh and beat the Patriots, 18-1. Freshman pitcher Chicky Boles picked up her first victory of her high school career. Boles gave up two hits and a run in the first inning, but pitched hitless ball over the final four frames. She struck out nine batters with no walks.

Grace Sinko VanLiew led the Dukes offensively, getting four hits from five at bats. She had a double, triple and four RBIs. Kaia Hutton had three hits from five at bats and also drove-in four runs. Hailey Hardaway contributed two hits, including a triple and three RBIs. Bowden hit a double and a t...