South Lenoir picks up wins over North Lenoir in softball, soccer

South Lenoir’s Logan Lucas prepares to throw a pitch in the Blue Devils’ win over North Lenoir. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

DEEP RUN — South Lenoir is getting back to form in the Eastern Carolina Conference softball-wise.

The Blue Devils defeated North Lenoir 10-2 Friday, winning their second straight ECC game after a 1-2 start in conference play. South Lenoir (4-5, 2-3) never trailed in the matchup with the Hawks (1-4, 2-8) three days after a walkoff victory against Greene Central.

“We’re doing more of the little things, which has helped,” South Lenoir coach Lisa Smith said. “The girls have recommitted to the team and really gotten back to what’s important.”

Blue Devils pitcher Logan Lucas said the team is starting to find the same balance that has made the team so dominant in ECC play. South Lenoir is 49-6 since the conference’s inception.

“We’ve learned to find that balance and really trust each other,” Lucas said. “We love each other and will do whatever we can to get better.”

Megan Aldridge shared similar sentiments.

“The coaches have been pushing us and we’ve had more of a positive attitude (on the field),” Aldridge said. “We’re playing more as a team and it’s been a big help.”

In soccer, the Blue Devils were in a tight contest with North Lenoir, but won 2-1 on Candace Pierce’s penalty kick in the 76th minute.  Pierce scored both goals for South Lenoir (6-2, 3-1), building off a school-record 10-win season last year.

“We struggled early on, but we were able to work together and pick up a big win,” Pierce said.

South Lenoir coach David Whaley said despite losing eight seniors from last year’s roster, the team has maintained a great pace.

“We have good senior leadership and we’re playing a more aggressive style, getting more of the 50-50 balls,” Whaley said. “We’re also playing a lot of underclassmen, so the future looks bright for us.”