By Eric Lusk
Sports Editor
elusk@elkintribune.com

RONDA — East Wilkes has never lost to Elkin since the state high school athletic association went to fast-pitch softball in the 1990s, but the Cardinals had to work extra hard to keep that streak alive Tuesday afternoon.

The Cardinals needed to rally from a couple of deficits before finally subduing their visitors 12-7.

Elkin led 2-0 early and grabbed a 7-6 lead after a two-run single by Danielle King in the top of the fifth inning.

But East Wilkes quickly answered, getting three runs back in the bottom half of the fifth and then adding three more insurance runs in the sixth. Junior pitcher Anna Litschke kept the Elk bats quiet in the seventh to push East to 4-3 overall, 4-2 in the Northwest 1A Conference.

The Elks are still looking for their first win.

“Elkin did a great job tonight,” Cardinals coach Bradley Hayes said. “They were hitting the ball and they were a scrappy bunch. I was impressed with them.

“This one might not have been pretty but I’ll take a win any way I can get it in this conference.”

What was pretty, according to Hayes, was how the Cardinals closed the game.

Trailing by a run in the bottom of the fifth, Kendra Green drew a walk to lead off. Later in the inning, with two outs, Kary Durham doubled past the right fielder to drive Green home, tying the score.

Emily Minton then rifled a standup triple to bring Durham home. An error by the Elks scored the final East run of the inning.

Elkin got its first two runners of the sixth inning aboard, but a heads-up defensive play by freshman centerfielder Hannah Chambers on a flyout resulted in a double play. Litschke then got Elkin senior Leya Wood to pop out after giving up a walk to Presley Slawter.

Brittany Garza and Durham had RBI hits in the bottom half of the sixth for East Wilkes.

“For March ball, we’re ahead of the curve,” Hayes said. “They are learning every day and getting better every day.”

The Cardinals have a young lineup in most spots, boasting only one senior. Cleary has won the starting shortstop job as a freshman — and has won the admiration of her coach.

“I’m looking forward to seeing her in three years as a senior because I think she is going to be a stud then,” Hayes said. “She was making plays tonight that a senior wouldn’t make. She’s scary fast, and I don’t think she knows how good she is yet.”

Shanlyn Wagoner gave a game effort at pitcher for Elkin. A summer of travel ball has improved her game as she takes over as the Elks’ ace.

Elkin trailed 6-2 going into the top of the fourth and got three runs back then to stay in contention. Haley Swaim singled, then Danielle King ripped a triple to score Swaim with one out.

Wagoner helped her own cause with an RBI single to center. Jessica Harris stroked another RBI single up the third base line for a 6-5 game.

“We picked up the bats this game,” Elkin coach Jill Miller said. “Danielle King did a fabulous job at the plate. We’re encouraged. The team attitude is different this year. They are ready for it. I’m ready to win.”

Elkin has a good chance at that this Friday when Bishop McGuinness visits. The Elks beat the Villains last season to break a losing drought of many seasons.