FAYETTEVILLE -- Greenwood didn't need a whole lot of offense with Victoria Taylor in the pitcher's circle Saturday in the Class 6A softball state championship at Bogle Park.
Taylor tossed a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts and four walks and battery mate Sydney Parker provided the offensive muscle with a two-run home run as Greenwood defeated Sheridan 3-0 for its first state title in fast-pitch softball.
Taylor didn't allow an earned run in the state tournament on her way to earning MVP honors. It was her 14th game with at least 10 strikeouts.
"When I got here three years ago, the seniors on this team were sophomores and Victoria was a freshman," Greenwood Coach Ronnie Sockey said. "They've all worked hard to get to this place, and they deserve it.
"Victoria has been amazing this year. She just keeps getting better and better, and she has been dominating hitters."
Sheridan (25-6) had beaten Greenwood 3-0 earlier this year in a tournament in Van Buren, but Taylor didn't pitch that game.
Sheridan threatened early Saturday when Maggie Hicks led off the game with a single and Corbin Talbert drew a walk with one out. Taylor got a strikeout and a ground ball to end the threat.
"I was a little nervous today, but I settled down," Taylor said. "It feels great to come up here and get the win. I was able to get my rise ball working and went to that when I needed a strikeout."
Sheridan starter Morgan Burke was strong too, mowing down Greenwood in order over the first three inning.
In the third, Sydnie Henson led off with a single. With one out, Parker lifted a high, long shot over the fence in left-center to give Greenwood a 2-0 lead.
"That's kind of how we've played all year," Sockey said. "We don't score a whole lot of runs, but we've had good pitching and defense and when we get somebody on our three- and four-hole hitters have come through with some big hits to drive them in."
Greenwood added an insurance run in the fifth. Tatum Holland reached on an infield hit, moved to second on a ground ball, and wound up scoring when Sheridan threw the ball into left field trying to get Holland stealing third base.
Sheridan; 000 000 0 -- 0 2 0
Greenwood; 000 210 x -- 3 4 1
Burke and Talbert; Taylor and Parker. W -- Taylor, 21-4. L -- Burke. HR -- Parker, Greenwood (4).
Sports on 05/24/2015