Owen softball loses to Mountain Heritage, coach talks conference play with 2 new teams

Owen softball took on Mountain Heritage on April 26 but was unable to serve the Cougars their first conference loss.

"Everybody knows we're getting better," said Owen coach Pete Ledford. "If you're going to be the best, you've got to beat the best."

Though the Warlassies held a 2-1 lead for four straight innings, Mountain Heritage scored twice from a home run by junior Sienna Osada and then once more by stealing home for a final score of 4-2.

Mountain heritage remains undefeated in Western Highlands Conference play with an 8-0 record.

Junior Addison Bartlett pitched all seven innings for Owen, striking out five batters and walking three. Bartlett also led the team's offense with three hits, including a home run in her first plate appearance of the game.

Mountain Heritage scored its first run on a double in the first inning. Bartlett's home run tied the game at 1 after the first inning. 

"It's a young group," Ledford said. "I'm losing six seniors, but I've got eight freshman on the team."

In the bottom of the third, shortstop Ryleigh Ogle stole home to give Owen the lead. Ogle had three hits on three plate appearances in the game.

Owen is 9-5 overall, 5-4 in the conference record. Ranked fourth in its conference, Owen remains behind rival Madison High with a record of 5-3.

"Our biggest competition is probably Madison," Ledford said. "It's been our nemesis for the last 10 years, and we can't get past that hump."

With two new teams in Owen's conference, Rosman and Draughn, Ledford emphasized the need for the Warlassies to put in the work and continue the legacy of its strong players. 

"Everyday we probably throw 500 balls," Ledford said. "Nobody takes as many cuts at practice as we do."

Ezra Maille covers the town of Black Mountain, Montreat and the Swannanoa Valley. Reach him at 828-230-3324 or emaille@blackmountainnews.com. Please support local journalism with access to more breaking news by subscribing.