Bailey Sigmon News Today

This year's Apex softball team will be remembered as the Cardiac Cougars after what they pulled off on Saturday.

At one point on Saturday, Apex looked down and out. Now the Cougars are preparing for a decisive Game 3 in the NCHSAA 2A softball state championship series after beating Hickory Ridge 8-6 in extra innings on a two-run walk-off home run by Kaleigh Ayscue in the bottom of the eight of Game 2 at Duke's softball stadium.

DURHAM – They had played their ponytails off.

Anna Dew didn't let a runner get into scoring position and Hickory Ridge used small ball to defeat Apex 3-0 on Friday in Game 1 of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A softball state championship series at Duke's softball stadium. Hickory Ridge's (27-2) Dew, an Elon commit, entered with a 0.34 ERA, and her prowess in the circle quickly became apparent against the Cougars. Apex didn't have a baserunner until the fourth inning, and Dew finished with eight strikeouts.

DURHAM – They are seven strong innings away from glory.

Down 4-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Apex scored five times to take the lead then held on to claim the 4A softball eastern regional championship with a 7-6 victory in game three over Topsail on Friday May 26, 2023