Powell Valley vs. John Battle (Softball)

Does anyone know what time this game is set for? I know it's still early. Also, where does Powell Valley play its softball games? Thanks. Should be a good matchup.

Powell Valley will play John Battle at the UVA Wise softball field. I am assuming the game will start at 5:00.

Thanks. If you find out anything for certain let me know.

Well that is pretty close to certain.. lol.. I just think the VHSL has to approve it but that is the intended time and place at the moment.

Does anyone know anything about Battle's team, or any of the other teams remaining? Who is the avorite to win it all? James River maybe?

Battle has the same team that beat Appalachia in the state quarter finals last year minus one starter. I believe they ended up losing in the state finals to James River in 2006. They are led by Nikita Belcher who has already broken the state record for home runs in a single season. They will be a tough out for Powell Valley.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: theWanderer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Who is the avorite to win it all? James River maybe? </div></div>

Glenvar knocked James River out of contention in the semifinals.

So john battle only lost one starter last year?

Are you talking about last year? Because they haven't played the semis this year yet. Tuesday is quaterfinals and Friday is semis.

He meant Glenvar beat James River in this year's Region C semifinals.

Okay thanks. Well how is PV and GC supposed to stack up against the other teams? Anyone seen any rankings?

I got to see John Battle play Abingdon a few weeks ago. Let's just say that there were 5 homeruns in that game and 2 more that would have been out but were hit foul. They have a very solid infield and pitching is above average. The catcher is excellent. The outfield looked pretty darn good. One thing, if PV can rattle the pitcher a little, then they could win this thing. Abingdon did come from behind and beat them in the 7th, on 2 homeruns of their own. Oh yeah, PV's infield needs to be ready, they bunt the ball well, all batters, 1-9.

BTW, I was behind the plate in that game.

Well if the lady vikings show up ready to play ball, they will be hard to beat. PV has some really good pitching as well and the last few games they have played, their defense has been awesome. I'd personally love to see PV win Tuesday and move on to the next round... Of course I'm a little biased, lol! [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif[/img]

I can understand, your daughter does a fine job pitching. But she doesn't need to put it on the outside of the plate on them.

I usually think she does, haha.. I would love to see them get to play in the state game.

PV has not played a team that bunts alot.I hope the girls will adjust.I wonder if PV's coaches went to the game friday and got a look at Battle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: centennialdawg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can understand, your daughter does a fine job pitching. But she doesn't need to put it on the outside of the plate on them.</div></div>

Thanks for the warning! lol.. but I don't know for sure who will pitch this game. You can never really tell. If the coach keeps deciding who is pitching by taking turns with the pitcher's, then Marie won't pitch this game because it is Kaylla's turn... so I guess we will have to wait and see. Did they hit most of their homeruns on the outside pitches?

It will be selling the team short if Marie doesn't pitch...Kayla has her strong points, but Marie is the horse that brought them here, so to speak...

Well, on the other forum, hokiebird said JB didn't hit all that well, but I AM HERE TO TELL YOU that they can and do hit very well. PV's pitcher, whomever she may be, needs to be able to to consistantly hit the inside corner low.

Sorry for mentioning his name everybody, just another point I wanted to make about his capabilities.

Well if PV's coach pitches Marie, the inside corner low or high is probably her best pitch. I have no doubt JB hit's good, they wouldn't have made it this far without hitting the ball. . .

[img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif[/img]

Go with the best,, you have to win this game b/f you can worry about the next one.

You are so right.

IMO PV has not played a team that is solid 1 thru 9 at the plate(maybe they won't) but if PV can put up 6 runs their pitching and D can hold on. PV does have a pretty good lineup but they must all hit and get some runs in spurts.

Yes, they can and are able to hit well. But like you said, they need to play some really good defense.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: theWanderer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IMO PV has not played a team that is solid 1 thru 9 at the plate(maybe they won't) but if PV can put up 6 runs their pitching and D can hold on. PV does have a pretty good lineup but they must all hit and get some runs in spurts. </div></div>

If Nikita Belcher is pitching for JSB it will be a tall order to get 6 runs. I think she's only given up 6 runs once this year and that was to a very good Virginia High team. If Powell Valley is going to win the game it will probably be a 2-1, 3-2 type game. Should be a low scoring affair.

PV usually jumps on teams quick.

I dont think PV has seen a team like Battle this year. Not to many teams in the LPD that has the state record holder for home runs, plus 4 other girls that are multiple home run hitters in the line up, plus 2 very strong pitchers, 1 that hits the mid 60's with movement.
Its going to be a tall order. Battle has faced the type of pitching PV has all year. So they are used to that type pitching. If I was the Coach at PV, I would call the Va High Coach and ask him how he shut them down.

I would agree with you. I am a PV fan but I believe LPD teams were a little overrated this year when compared to teams outside their region. If Battle's pitcher is that good PV will have trouble, if you look back at their season they don't have a very good record in low scoring close games. Most of their wins were by a few runs.

That being said GOOD LUCK LADY VIKINGS!!! I wish you the best.
Good luck to Gate City as well (unless we meet them again LOL)

Dont get me wrong, PV is a good team. But, I really beleive that Battle has PV out matched. I predict Battle to win 5 to 1. The only pitcher that PV has seen that is any good is the Light girl from Coeburn. Belcher is another beast. She is the total package. If her knee isnt bothering her she will be hard to handle. When her knee bothers her, she throws in the low 60's, when she is feeling good, watch out for mid 60's!

If I remeber correctly early in the season this year...GC scrimmaged Battle..and won. They were down going in to the last inning and came back and beat them....Hope someone can confirm that.

You are probably close on the score. I am not saying PV (or GC) are bad teams. PV has decent pitching, I say decent because they have pretty good speed but their pitchers don't have the "junk" to compliment the speed they have. At some point you have to think a disciplined hitting team will adjust to a fast ball when they know nothing else is coming. They also don't have that blazing speed where a kid can bunt and beat it out every time then move around the bases to get a run. They have a good team from top to bottom, I just don't see that player or two that can change the game at any time.

Sounds like John battle is loaded, but I think they lost their last game.(Glenvar)
My daughter played on a traveling team with Belcher last summer,
she might hit 60 sometime, but mid 60's no way. She is, however, a very good hitter.

Yep, she is consistant with the speed of around 60

WHERE'S ARCHER?!?!?!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sup-rbeast</div><div class="ubbcode-body">WHERE'S ARCHER?!?!?!</div></div>

hahahahaha!! i guess he doesn't have anything to say to PV's win over John Battle. i mean between him and theWanderer, you would have thought PV didn't stand a chance! and im pretty sure theWanderer has a daughter on PV's team...lol!

After all the shiz talk, I'd say Archer prefers eatin' his or her crow alone this evening...

i seen her tonight, & it did not look like she was throwing in the 60's. PV seemed to have no problems against Belcher, because everyone hit the ball. She didnt just mow them down. Holdway did a great job pitching, & it seemed to me like Battle had a hard time against her. But you know, whatever.

I will admit I was concerned when I arrived at the field to see Kayla warming up...She pitched well...IF only the D would be stronger---2 e-5s led to both Battle runs...Can't do that and win in the Final 4....

Whats up with the team chemistry...The Perry girl was crying like PV lost in the parking lot...Was she upset that the youth in the program have outplayed her and taken her spot? I heard that several quit or didn't play due to this. . .