By: Garrett Mitchell, Staff Writer
garrett@thewoodrufftimes.com
Tensley Williams’ bat and Danicka Simmons’ arm were all Woodruff softball needed to topple powerhouse Fountain Inn.
The Lady Wolverines’ freshman outfielder blasted two solo home runs, and junior pitcher Simmons dazzled, as Woodruff defeated the 4A #4-ranked Fury 2-1 last Thursday to end the regular season.
Tensley Williams Powers Lady Wolverines with Two Home Runs
Williams, who entered the final week and a half of the regular season without having hit a home run, has knocked three out of the park in the last week and a half. It is a welcome power surge from Tensley, who bats ninth in Woodruff’s lineup.
“The main thing I was looking for was just a base hit,” explained Williams. “I wanted to help out my team. I would say the power is coming from lifting weights but also working on my swing and getting everything right and doing the little things.”
Williams’ first home run came in the top of the third inning to put the Lady Wolverines on top 1-0. She went deep again in the fifth to increase the lead to 2-0.
Danicka Simmons Shines in the Circle
It was all Simmons would need in the circle.
Woodruff’s junior two-way star, who also plays on the infield when she does not pitch, shut down Fountain Inn’s powerful lineup over seven innings, allowing just one earned run on seven hits and striking out six.
Three of the Fury’s seven hits came in the bottom of the seventh inning, but Simmons induced a pop-up to third baseman KK Bailey and a liner to shortstop Jaylen Means, which she caught before firing to third for the game-ending double play.
“It was a little bit nerve-wracking,” admitted Simmons. “Obviously, Tensley did her job on offense, but our defense was really good behind me. I was struggling toward the end but I trusted it was going to be ok because I have my defense behind me. I told myself this is not a situation you haven’t been in before, and it will be ok.”
Lady Wolverines Building Momentum for Playoffs
It was a signature win for the Lady Wolverines, who finished an up-and-down regular season with a 10-9 record and third place in their region.
However, the Lady Wolverines are hot at the right time, and Williams says she and her teammates have momentum heading into the playoffs.
“I think we are all locked in (for the play-offs),” added Tensley. “We want to win so we can continue on through the play-offs.”
