Stuarts Draft gets statement win in district softball showdown

STUARTS DRAFT — Stuarts Draft just made the Shenandoah District softball race a lot more interesting as we near the halfway point of the district season. The Cougars rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the third then held off Buffalo Gap for a 4-3 win April 21. The loss was the first of the season for Gap and drops the Bison into a first-place tie with Wilson Memorial, both at 6-1 in district play.

Alleghany is a half game back with a 6-2 district mark. The win by Draft leaves them tied with Fort Defiance and Rockbridge County at 4-3 in district play, just two games out of first. "This is a tough district this year," said Draft coach Michael Holbert.

"It's really a very tough district. That was a good win tonight against a very good team. There's no slouches in this league.

" Draft's three losses have come by a total of four runs, so getting a close game to go its way felt good for the Cougars. "We've definitely had some tough losses," said Draft pitcher Karlee Layne. "We play Wilson Friday so I know that's going to be a big one for us.