Softball: Freshman Leads Cougars in Win Over Generals

If anyone looked at the Oakton roster and thought the Cougars would be easy targets because of their youth, they underestimated the talent of Allison Davis.

The freshman pitcher led her team to an 11-0 mercy-rule win over Washington-Lee High School on Friday, pitching a no-hitter and hitting a home run, triple and single to drive in six runs.

The Cougars' offense started out strong with a single to to center field from junior and co-captain Emily Corridon. After the Generals pitcher Emma Tober walked sophomore shortstop Emily Krisanda, Davis hit a home run — on the first pitch. Freshman third baseman Kelsea Sinnett also drove in a run that inning.

"That was interesting," Davis said. "I wouldn't classify myself as a home run hitter."

The other RBI of the game came from sophomore Mary Kate Mehegan in the third inning.

The Generals could not get their offense going against Davis, who struck out seven batters, and did not have a base runner until the fifth inning after a throwing error to first base from Sinnett. But the base path was quickly cleared — and the half inning ended — after the runner, Hannah Swan left the base too early on an attempt to steal second. Davis struck out seven batters in the game.

"Amazing," said head coach Ray Gordon at the mention of Davis' name. "She's just a freshman. Just amazing."

Davis stayed modest and credited the whole team for putting forth a solid effort to get the win.

"Everyone was just really supportive of each other," she said. "For my first game in high school, it was just a really good experience."

Gordon also talked up the whole team, saying he thinks they will be better than many might be expecting.

"We're a young team," he said. "We started three freshman, two sophomores, four juniors. But I really do think we're going to be good."

Bringing experience to the Cougar squad is lead-off batter and starting center fielder Emily Corridon, who was named to All-Region last year.

"She's just a solid player. Easily one of the best in the region," he said. "As we're working on improving the team, she'll be important for us."

He said the area that needs the most improvement is defense, as the young squad needs to mature more when it comes to situational plays.

"The better teams are going to bunt against you, and we're going to need to know how to handle that. Especially if Allison dominates," Gordon said. "I believe that even against the better teams, I won't say she'll dominate, but she's going to be really hard to hit. She's just really good."

Davis has similarly high hopes for the Cougars.

"We're planning to have a pretty good season," Davis said. "I think we're going to do well if everyone keeps cheering each other on and keeps staying positive."

The Cougars' next game is 6 p.m. March 22 at Woodson High.