North Duplin rolls into Final Four

BAYBORO — Riley Hatch and Reece Outlaw each homered twice to lead the North Duplin softball team into the Final Four of the North Carolina High School Association 1A softball tournament as the Rebels defeated Pamlico County 13-5 on the road May 18.

Outlaw had two hits, three runs and four RBI; Addy Higginbotham had three hits, two runs, one RBI, one sacrifice bunt and two stolen bases; Hatch had three hits, three runs and five RBI; Lilly Fulghum had two hits, one run, one RBI, two stolen bases and was hit by a pitch; Kasey Jones had one hit, one sacrifice fly and one sacrifice bunt; Ady Spence had one hit and one run, Sara Thomas Tucker had one hit and one run, M’chelle Jaco had one hit and one run and Iala Overton had one run.

Fulghum was the winning pitcher with a seven-inning complete game. She struck out five and walked two.

North Duplin will play at home against East Columbus (26-2) May 23 in the first game of the best of three East Regional final series. They will travel to East Columbus for game two May 25.

The Rebels are now 21-2 on the season.