Welcome to Southside Daily’s weekly look at the top softball teams by record in Virginia Beach:
Ocean Lakes (12-1): Coach Jack Wheeler wasn’t kidding when he said his girls would respond after their first loss of the season following a 7-0 start. The Dolphins have won five straight since, outscoring opponents 40-8. Ocean Lakes continues to show its lineup’s depth with power hitting from numerous spots, while starting hurler Michelle Lehan commands the mound.
Kempsville (10-3): The Chiefs have won four games in a row by a 49-3 margin. Kempsville’s offense has tallied 10 or more runs in five games while senior ace Shannon Buchanan has posted four shutouts. It’s early, but the Chiefs have proven to be the class of the Atlantic Conference.
First Colonial (7-4-1): The Patriots have gone 6-1-1 in the last 30 days thanks in large part to the back-to-back punch at the plate from Meaghan Barfield (17 hits, five home runs) and Skylar Johnston (15 hits, four home runs). Hurler Kerry Flanagan (6-4) has settled down after a tough start to the season.
Kellam (6-7) The Knights followed a four-game skid with two straight wins against Landstown and Tallwood.
Bayside (5-6): The Marlins have lost six of their last eight games.
Cox (5-8): The Falcons have already surpassed last year’s three wins while notching notable victories over Kempsville, Kellam and Bayside. Senior hitter Kayleigh Willis has led from the plate. The Falcons’ turnaround has positioned them as contenders in the Coastal race.
