BY MAURI PAYNE

BY MAURI PAYNE

Rappahannock News Writer

The Rappahannock Athletic Association Peaches report ending a successful regular season of softball in preparation for Virginia Babe Ruth District 3 tournaments scheduled for June 29 through July 2 in Madison County. The Peaches, based at Stuart Field in Amissville and competing as a 16 and under team this spring, ended on a high note in Madison June 11 with victory.

Fielding ten players in the last game of the season, the Peaches were off to a dubious start when the second baseman, rookie Katie Guiffre of Huntly, badly sprained her ankle, sidelining her for the entire game. Regular starting pitcher/shortstop, Megan Payne of Amissville, was moved to second to fill in where she was instrumental in a critical double play, plus a number of additional outs. At bat, she hit a three run homer and a triple.

Pitcher Jessica Nawrocki of Washington in her final regular season game as a Peach came into her own pitching the entire game for the win. Frustrated with her hitting for most of the season, she also came through with a grand slam home run and was successful reaching first base with a number of perfect bunt attempts.

The stellar experienced catching of Eva Mills of Amissville added to the team effort. Always dependable for a big hit at bat, Eva created a very exciting tense moment when Madison tried to catch her stealing home. She slid on her back, both feet first, back to third, successfully dodging the tag.

Also contributing with well timed big hits was third baseman Miriam Nelsen of Jeffersonton. Playing with a knee scheduled for surgery, she also tagged a runner out in the second half of a double play.

The winning run was batted in by left fielder Hope Jacobs of Amissville. Also a track team member, Hope has a most impressive way of