Statesboro sophomore pitcher Cassidy Stephens was a little apprehensive in a post-game interview Tuesday afternoon, but she let her pitching do all the talking in a 8-0 shutout victory against Bradwell Institute at Mill Creek Park.
     Statesboro High School improved to 5-10 on the season, a two-win improvement from the year prior, thanks to the arm of Stephens as she pitched a five-inning no hitter.
    Stephens struck out six batters and threw just 54 pitches, pounding the strike zone and working in her changeup pitch effectively.
    After the game, Stephens said she was proud of the way her team played.
    “I felt good about the game. Our girls are really dedicated to the game and we came a long way since last season. Last year we really got down on ourselves towards the end of the season, but this year we’ve really come so far. We are just ready to get out there and show we can play,” Stephens said after her no-hit performance.
    Stephens threw just 11 balls against Bradwell.
    It wasn’t just the pitching that seemed to be working for the Lady Blue Devils. Statesboro got the bats working early, largely due to the plate presence of Mackenzie Wilkerson. Wilkerson went 3-for-3 from the plate, driving in two runs.
    Morgan Thompson also had a big day hitting 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Madelyn Fennell also drove in a run with an RBI double, and scored a run.
    The Lady Blue Devils broke their six-game losing streak on Tuesday. Head coach Jim Simmons said the game gives his team confidence before they play region foes South Effingham, Thursday.
    SHS is now 1-2 in the region.
    “That was by far our most complete game since we entered region play,” Simmons said after his team’s 8-0 win. “We had some tough losses against Richmond Hill and Effingham, but the girls have worked and are starting to come together. Their focus today was really good.”
    Simmons said he has noticed a slight change in his team’s attitude from last season.
    “We were kind of hitting on all cylinders today. All the little things came together. Hopefully we didn’t use it all up,” laughed Simmons. “We just have to keep working hard. We’ve been very streaky lately and a game like this certainly helps. But even in our losing streaks our girls never had a negative attitude.”
    The Lady Blue Devils started the season on a four-game losing streak, then strung off four wins in a row.
    Wilkerson said she’s happy her team came out strong and is excited that the Lady Blue Devils are back in the win column.
    “It feels very good to come together as a team and get the win today. I’m really proud of how our team played,” Wilkerson said. “We pitched a really good game and I’m very proud of (Stephens).”
    SHS will continue with their region schedule against South Effingham Thursday, then face Effingham County on Sept. 16.
    “It’s going to be an uphill battle, but we’re going to do what we can and work hard in practice and get ready,” Simmons said.

    Horace Holloman may be reached at (912) 489-9408.