The Gloucester High School varsity softball team claimed the Class 4 Region A title and won the first round of states during this past week of game play.

The undefeated Lady Dukes won the region title after taking a 3-0 victory over the Warhill Lions last Thursday. Autumn Cookson (13-0) pitched a two-hit shutout game. Hannah Horsley led Gloucester’s sixth inning scoring binge.

Cookson struck out 13 batters and only gave up singles in the fourth and fifth innings. The Lady Dukes were able to get on base during the first and third innings, but did not score a single run until the final inning.

Horsley turned the game around for Gloucester in the sixth inning by hitting a double. She was then able to score a run on a throwing error to break the scoreless tie.

Tessa Carteret was able to get on base and score on an Alexis Dishman bunt. A throwing error by the Lions allowed Carteret to reach home plate and Dishman to reach third base. Dishman later scored from a hit by Addison Keister.
The Lady Dukes hosted the state quarterfinal match Tuesday against King George, defeating the Foxes, 2-0. Cookson (14-0) struck out 12 batters while on the mound.

In the first inning, Cookson and West were both walked to first base. With one out, Carteret hit a single that led to Cookson scoring a run. Carteret and West then executed a double steal, leading West home.

Gloucester’s offense was led by Horsley with two hits, Carteret with an RBI single and Keister with one hit.

The Lady Dukes will play Jefferson Forest High School in the state semifinals tomorrow at Monticello High School in Charlottesville. Friday’s game is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m.