Lady Cougars Play Tougher Against Floyd

Lady Cougars Play Tougher Against Floyd
By David Gravely

In their last meeting just a few short weeks ago, Floyd rattled off twelve hits while holding the Lady Cougars to only four as they defeated Pulaski soundly 13-0.   Floyd took home a second win over Pulaski on Wednesday, but the Lady Cougars didn't go down without a fight this time as they fell by a final score of 9-8.

"We did a great job of getting the bat on the ball tonight, but we made too many critical errors at key moments of the game" said Lady Cougar Head Coach Gina Miano.  "It was a great game that we should have been able to pull out, but two errors cost us four runs.   You can't do that against a team expected to make a run deep in the playoffs and expect to win."

The scoring got underway immediately in the first inning, as Floyd took advantage of one hit, three walks, a sacrifice, and an error to take an early 2-0 lead.  Pulaski battled back, scoring two runs of their own on two hits, a walk, and an error to tie things up.  The Lady Buffalo's picked up where they left off in the second inning, adding two more runs on two hits, a walk, and an error.   They could have continued to add to their score, but shortstop Kasey Holcomb made a fine double play to end the inning.

Motivated by the double play, the Lady Cougars came out hot in the bottom of  the second inning.  Kelli Duncan started things off with a single, and then Whitney McDaniel sacrifice bunted to move her to second.  Lauren Foster earned a trip to first on a walk, and then catcher Jordan Chrisley stepped in to hit a booming two RBI double to score Duncan and Foster.  Carli Brewer executed another sacrifice bunt to move Chrisley to third, and then Holcomb hit an RBI single to bring the speedy catcher home, giving the Lady Cougars a 5-4 lead.

Pulaski held Floyd in check in the top of the third, and then extended their lead to 7-4 off of three hits, a sacrifice, and a steal.  Floyd got back to business in the top of the fourth inning, scoring two runs on a walk, a hit, and an error before holding the Lady Cougars scoreless in the bottom of the fourth.   Floyd was able to score a run to tie the game in the top of the fifth inning, putting the score at 7-7.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Lady Cougars broke the tie.  With two outs on the scoreboard, Holcomb put Pulaski in business with a double.    With Bethany Anderson up to bat, Holcomb stole third, and then Anderson hit a well placed single to allow Holcomb to cross home plate, giving Pulaski an 8-7 lead.  Floyd contined to fight, however, and after a double and a walk, both runners advanced on passed balls to get into scoring position.  Floyd pinch hitter Heather Fink stepped into the batters box and hit a two RBI single to give the Lady Buffalo's the 9-8 lead, and then tough defense allowed them to hang on for the win.

"We went from having two hits in the last game to twelve hits in this one" said Miano.  "I thought it was a great, competitive game that we should have won, but I'll take the effort.  Some of the girls that have been struggling with the bat come on strong today, and the ones that have been consistent stayed that way.  We lost the game, but we got a little bit of our pride back after the way they beat us last time."

Kaitlin Smith pitched the entire game for Pulaski, facing 35 batters.  In that time, she allowed 7 hits, 9 runs (3 earned), 6 walks, and four strike outs.   Hitting for Pulaski, Chrisley went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI's.  Brewer went 1 for 2 with two sacrifice bunts, Holcomb went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored, an RBI, and two steals, and Anderson went 2 for 4 with an RBI.  Brooke Hundley went 2 for 4 with a run scored and two RBI's, Sara Wright went 1 for 4 with a run scored, and Kelli Duncan went 2 for 4 with a run scored, an RBI, and a stolen base.  Whitney McDaniel went 0 for 2 with two sacrifice's, but earned an RBI on one, and Lauren Foster went 0 for 2 but scored a run when she was walked.

The Lady Cougars go back into action on Friday when they travel to Wytheville to take on the George Wythe Lady Maroons.  Pulaski gets back into River Ridge District action on Tuesday when they take on Salem.  Game time for both games is set for 5 pm.

Reaching Up And Reaching Out

Reaching Up And Reaching Out
By David Gravely

For those who love the game of basketball, it seems like there is always a game or a tournament going on somewhere.   The time of year doesn't matter, because with travel teams, AAU teams, "elite" teams, and all the regular middle school, high school, college and pro teams out there you can usually find something to watch.  This weekend there will be a tournament that is a little bit different, however, as a local group hopes to help raise money for those affected by the recent tornados.

The New River Valley Ballers, a New River Valley travel basketball team, and the Pulaski Church of God are hosting a three on three basketball tournament this Saturday, and all proceeds and donations will be going to assist those in Pulaski and Draper that were affected. 

"We wanted to do something to help, and this was just one of the ways we came up with" said event coordinator Patrick Lawson.  "We know that there were so many people that have needs, and we're just hoping to make a dent in those needs.  We'd like to invite everyone to come out and root for your favorite teams, and while you're here grab something from the concessions stand or make a donation."

The tournament will be a double elimination event, with a $30 entry fee per team.  The games will be to 21 points, scored by two's and three's.  There are currently three different divisions scheduled.  The ladies will be able to compete in a girls/women's only division, while the guys will be able to play in either a 17 and over division or a 40 and over division.

"We want to be able to offer a chance for the teams to be able to compete against each other and have some fun, but the main purpose here is going to be about helping our neighbors that need it" said Lawson.  "There are lots of people who have been affected recently by the bad weather, and it could happen to anyone.  We just them to know that there are people out there that care about them, and that we do want to help out.  We would also like to invite anyone who was affected to come out and join us Saturday.  Sometimes something as simple as getting your mind off of things for an hour or two can be a really good thing."

The full schedule of events will be posted at The Refreshing Center (Pulaski Church of God) on Friday after a meeting with all of the teams.  Spaces are still available if you are interested in participating.  For more information, contact Patrick Lawson at (540)250-2206 or email at patricklawson@vic.edu.

Lady Cougars End Streak

Lady Cougar Soccer Ends Streak
By David Gravely

Four years is a long time to wait for something, but that wait is finally over for the Pulaski County Lady Cougar Soccer team.  On Tuesday the Lady Cougars defeated the Galax Maroon Tide 3-0, giving the program their first win in four long seasons.

"We've told the girls all season that we are less worried about the outcome of the games and more worried about continuing to make progress" said first year Head Coach Eric Martin.  "We know we have a long way to go to reach the goals we've set and to get to the level we want to be at, but this was certainly a step in the right direction.   Galax has a solid team with some good wins to their credit.  This is just really big for us.  I'm really proud of our progress and happy for our two seniors, who have put so much work and time into this program."

Galax, who is now 6-2-1 on the season, has wins over Giles twice, Bland, Floyd, Rural Retreat, and Carroll County.  Their losses came to George Wythe in a 2-1 nail biter, and now to Pulaski County, who also provided them with the tie game on their record just a few short weeks ago in Galax.

The game started off with both teams moving the ball but unable to penetrate each others defense enough to get into a scoring position.  As the time ticked off the clock in the first half, the Lady Cougars were able to press the ball deeper into Galax territory.  With around ten minutes left in the half Pulaski finally got on the board when Hannah Wade sent a pass to Ericka Nash, who beat the Galax goalie for the score.  Just prior to the end of the first half, Kelly Russell moved the ball deep into enemy territory and passed off to Nash again, who nailed the shot for her second goal of the game.  The half ended with Pulaski up 2-0.

Pulaski came out in the second half and continued to work, moving the ball well and putting shots on goal.  With around 15 minutes off the clock, Casey Snider sent a pass to  Lauren McPeake who was open near the goal, who sent the ball into the back of the net to increase the lead to 3-0.  Pulaski continued to push the ball, and missed a chance at a fourth goal in a scramble with a loose ball near the end of the game, but the Galax goal keeper was able to grab the ball and prevent the score.   Tori Duncan posted her first shutout of the season, and ended the game with three saves.

"I'm so glad this happened this season" said senior defensive player Marlena Morrison.  "I've been playing with this team my entire time in high school, and we've been close several times, but to finally win is great.  We know it's only one game, but it's proof to us that we're making progress.  That's all we want to do right now.....just try to get better every game."

Nash, one of the many underclassmen on the team, thinks the program is certainly headed in the right direction.  "We know we're not the best team in the district, and most of the teams are way ahead of us.  We're working on catching up, but it's going to take time.  Alot of us are playing in summer leagues and on travel teams now, and there are alot of us playing on indoor teams in the winter.  We're trying to do the things we need to do to get better, but we know it's going to take time."

Chelsie Testerman was another happy Lady Cougar.  "We're learning more this year, and you can see the improvements we're making.  We want to take this program to a higher level, and we're willing to do the work to get there.  It would be great if we had a place like the YMCA here in Pulaski where we could play indoors locally during the winter, and hopefully something like that will happen soon.  It would help out the boys and the girls teams so much."

Next week the Lady Cougars will go back into River Ridge District action on Tuesday when they travel to Salem.  Junior varsity action is set to get underway at 5:30, with the varsity contest starting at 7 pm.

Richardson Signs With UVA-Wise

Cougar Lineman Moves To The Next Level
By David Gravely

The Pulaski County football program will be sending another player to the next level, as Jimmy Richardson signed his official Letter of Intent to play for Head Coach Dewey Lusk and the University of Virginia at Wise on Wednesday in front of friends, family, and Cougar Head Football Coach Todd Jones.

"Any time we can help a young man get to the next level in his education, that's a special day for us" said Coach Jones.  "This is a great opportunity for Jimmy and his family, and we wish him all the best of luck.  Hopefully we will be seeing some more players get the chance he's getting in the near future."

Richardson, who was one of the team captains for the 2010 Cougar squad, will be going into the Highlander Cavaliers camp this season with high hopes and expectations.  "I want to get there and become a better football player" said Richardson.   "I want to work my way into some playing time, and then I want to compete for a starting spot.  I want to do what I can to help make the team better, and I want to focus on getting my education.  I looked at alot of schools, and UVA-Wise just seemed like a great fit for me.  I'm really excited about this opportunity."

"I think Jimmy is going to have a chance to work his way in" said Coach Jones.  "He's a hard worker, and he's got the size he needs for this level.  I know Coach Lusk will help him become a better player."  Coach Jones, an Emory and Henry alumni, has prior experience working with Coach Lusk.  "He was a skill position and quarterback coach at Emory and Henry when I played there.  He has a great knowledge of the game and knows how to get the most out of his players."

As with most small colleges, sports scholarship money is hard to come by, but Richardson will be receiving a partial football scholarship to help get him started.  With the economy as  tough as it is right now, Richardson offered some advice to the younger players currently in the rec league and middle school systems.  "Start paying attention to your grades now.   Working hard in the weight room and in practice is important, but you really need to be able to perform in the class room to get the attention of the schools.  Not everybody is going to be able to go to a big time school or get a sports scholarship, but having good grades can help get you where you want to go."

Coach Jones echoed those thoughts as well.  "I've been fortunate enough to help alot of student athletes make it into college, but there were so many more that could have made it if they had just had the grades.   Too many times we'll see a player who all the athletic ability and talent in the world, but they cant get to that next level because of bad study habits and not focusing in the classroom.  Hopefully, we can help change that."

Anderson Signs With Wasps

Anderson Signs With Wasps
By David Gravely

Around twelve years ago a young lady picked up a bat to take her first swings at a ball in a tee ball game.  On Thursday, that young lady realized a lifelong dream of getting a chance to play at the college level.  Pulaski County High School senior softball player Bethany Anderson made her decision official as she signed her Letter of Intent to play for the Emory and Henry Wasps softball team.

"I'm so happy to get this chance" said Anderson.  "I've always dreamed of playing at the next level, and I am so excited to be a part of what Coach (Jack) Jordan is doing at Emory and Henry.  They are working on building a solid foundation for their program to take it places in the future.  I hope to be able to help the team out as much as possible, and hopefully earn some playing time early."

Wasp Head Coach Jack Jordan was pleased to hear of Anderson's decision.  "We are so excited to have Bethany join the Emory and Henry family.  She is a very talented softball player who has the ability to play multiple positions.  More importantly she is a solid student and a terrific young lady."  Coach Jackson, who is in his first full year as the Wasps Head Coach, is hoping to take his team to a higher level of play immediately.  "This being my first recruiting class, it has been of particular importance to bring in players who are both committed and motivated.  I am confident Bethany will excel both on the field and in the classroom, and will play a big role in the future of the program."

Pulaski County has had strong ties to Emory and Henry for many years.   Many Pulaski County student athletes have found a home there.   Head football coach Todd Jones and athletic director Mark Hanks are both graduates, and Lady Cougar Head Coach Gina Miano is a graduate and a member of their sports Hall of Fame.  She was equally excited for Anderson.  "Bethany is the ideal athlete for a coach to have the privilege of working with year after year.  She is kind, polite and internally motivated to become better each day.  She has received the Best Sportsmanship Award four years in a row, and that award is team voted so her teammates respect her as an athlete, as a young lady and as a captain.  Some athletes talk the talk but don't walk the walk.  Bethany walks the walk and then turns it into a sprint.   She is an outstanding young lady and softball player and will be greatly missed by our program.  We wish her all the luck and success at Emory and Henry.  This was a perfect match for her.  We all wish her nothing but the best of luck."

When ask what motivates her, Anderson was very clear.  "My team, my coaches, and all of the coaches that I've been honored to work with over the years have all meant alot to me.  I've tried to learn as much as I could from them all.  My main support over the years though has always been my family.   I cant begin to tell you how much my family means to me.  Both of them spent so much time getting me to and from games and practices, as well as helping out my teams.  The time I've gotten to spend with my dad has been really special to me.  He has always been there in the back yard to help me practice and working with me to help me get better.  My mom has always been there too.  Any time I've stepped into the on deck circle, I know I can look into the stands and she'll give me a thumbs up of encouragement.  They and my brother Thomas have always been there behind me, and I am so thankful."

Anderson has played softball in some form since she was first allowed at the earliest levels of tee ball and coach pitch.  After playing in the Pulaski County recreation league every year, she also played for the Virginia Wlidcats and the Southwest Virginia Pumas travel teams.  Her memories of those teams, she says, never fail to put a smile on her face.  "We got to shave a coaches head one year for winning the championship, and we made Coach Ward Angle wear a tu tu and tierra and pose for pictures.  Being on a team with a bunch of girls wasn't always easy, but we always had fun.  That's what you have to do to be successful.  It has to be fun.  You have to love it, and you have to want to be there and want to get better.  It takes alot of hard work, but it's worth it in the end.  My dad always told me I had to put my grades and schoolwork before the game, and now I can see how important that was.  For any of the younger players out there that want to have a shot at this one day, that's the best advice I can give you.  Perform in the classroom first, and then perform on the field."

Anderson's parents are justifiably proud of their daughter.  "She's worked hard for this, and I'm so proud to see her reach her goal" said Alan Anderson.  "I think Emory and Henry is gaining a great young lady."  Bethany's mother Norma Anderson added "We're so excited and happy.  She's worked so hard and I cant wait to see her in her Emory and Henry uniform for the first time.  We're very thankful to everyone who has helped Bethany get to this point."