No. 13 Gaston College celebrates "Sophomore Day" with pair of no-hitters in DH sweep

Sunday could've been a day of distraction for Gaston College's No. 13 softball team.

Nine sophomores were honored on "Sophomore Day" with emotional messages played on Gastonia's CaroMont Health Park scoreboard from their families and from their freshman teammates.

Instead, the Rhinos extended their winning streak to 10 with 8-0 and 11-0 "mercy" rule five-inning no-hit victories from sophomores Abigail Brewton and Kristyn Ezzo to improve the team to 43-3 overall and 10-0 in Region 10 Division I action.

"We've had a few special days on 'Sophomore Day' out here in previous years," Gaston College coach Mike Steuerwald said. "Today was right up there.
"I always enjoy prepping for 'Sophomore Day' and giving them a chance to reflect on their accomplishments. I don't necessarily love the disruption to our normal routine in pregame. But I really enjoyed how they were locked in and were able to get back into it.
"Brew found a rhythm and Ezzo pitched lights out."

It was Brewton's fourth no-hitter of her career and second this season and Ezzo's second this season. There are six no-hitters in the school's four-year history.

Brewton and Ezzo were joined in pregame ceremonies by Kendall Bradshaw, Phoebe Cole, Skye Harrington, Sarah Johnson, Grace Kealy, Alayna Patrick and Savana Price.

All nine sophomores started in the 8-0 win in the opener that saw the Rhinos take advantage of nine walks and two hits to score all eight of their runs in the first three innings.

In the nightcap, Gaston College had 14 hits (including five extra base hits) to complete the sweep.

Brewton yielded only four walks in her five innings of 69-pitch no-hit, four-strikeout pitching. And Ezzo needed 75 pitches with five strikeouts while allowing only a two-out walk in the fourth inning in her no-hitter.

Offensive standouts in the sweep were Bradshaw (3 hits, double, 1 RBI), Harrington (3 hits, home run, 3 RBIs), Johnson (3 hits, double, 3 RBIs), Patrick (3 hits, double, triple, 1 RBI), Kealy (1 hit, 2 RBIs), Arissa Duff (triple, RBI) and Mary Hinson (1 hit, 2 RBIs).

"It was very special to have all nine sophomores in the lineup in that first game together," Steuerwald said. "For us, it's just staying on the details. We're working every day in practice on things that can help us in the postseason."

The Rhinos remain at CaroMont Health Park for a pair of Region 10 Division I doubleheaders this week - on Tuesday at 2 p.m. against USC Salkehatchie and on Thursday at 4 p.m. against USC Sumter.