Top-ranked Pendleton County swept Tucker County in a doubleheader (9-1 in six innings, 13-0 in five innings) to claim the Class A Region II softball title and secure their first state tournament berth since 2015. The Wildcats (29-2) showcased strong pitching and consistent offense, scoring in eight of their ten innings at the plate.

In Game 1, Pendleton broke a 3-1 game open with a five-run fifth inning. Susan Vincell pitched five innings of relief, allowing just three hits and striking out nine. In Game 2, Baylee Beachler threw a one-hit shutout with 13 strikeouts. Head coach Eric Crites highlighted the advantage of having two quality pitchers for the state tournament.

Offensively, Avery Townsend was a standout, reaching base seven of eight times with five hits, including an inside-the-park home run in Game 1. Jenna Smith and Marleigh Moyers also hit inside-the-park homers, and Baylee Beachler contributed three hits and three runs. Coach Crites praised his team's battling spirit, senior leadership, and the contributions from younger players.

Pendleton County remains unbeaten against Class A opponents this season and has won eight consecutive games. Their only two losses came against fellow state tournament qualifiers. Crites believes a tough schedule against larger schools prepared them for this success.

The Wildcats will face Trinity in their opening game of the Class A state tournament in South Charleston on May 28. Crites emphasized how much this achievement means to the student-athletes, many of whom have also reached state tournaments in volleyball and basketball. For Tucker County (11-13), Peyton Hicks had two of their four hits in the doubleheader.