The Gloucester High School varsity softball team defeated the Grafton Clippers, 3-0, last Wednesday, April 29, at home. Pitchers Autumn Cookson and Harper Hardaway combined for a two-hit shutout.

The Lady Dukes took a first-inning lead when Cookson hit a double to deep center field. Cameron Palas drove in Cookson for a 1-0 lead. Gloucester padded the lead to 3-0 in the second inning as Alexis Dishman and Lilly Hogan walked and later executed a double steal, scoring Dishman. Hogan later scored on a Tessa Carteret grounder.

On defense, Addison Keister ended the fourth inning at second with two runners on base. Palas initiated all three outs in the sixth inning.

The Lady Dukes have a busy schedule over the next week, travelling to York, Poquoson and Lafayette on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. The York game will start at 5 p.m., and the remainder at 4:30.