APA softball wins first game in dramatic fashion

A young Arendell Parrott team is learning how to win in more ways than one.

The Patriots defeated Harrells Christian 5-4 Wednesday on a first pitch, walkoff double by Katelyn Corbett. As Mary Pat Ferebee crossed the plate, Corbett continued to run as the Crusaders eventually tagged her out.

“I was looking at her like ‘what are you doing, we won,’” APA coach Kristin White said with a laugh.

Arendell Parrott started the season with a pair of tough opponents in Rocky Mount Academy and Wake Christian Academy, falling by a combined 35-3. In Wednesday’s game, the Patriots took a 4-2 lead before the Crusaders tied it to set up Corbett’s heroics.

“We started the season with two really tough teams,” White said. “Both should make deep runs in the (NCISAA) 2A and 4A playoffs, but it was good to play against someone we can be more competitive with. We’ve got a very young team this year — we have no seniors and only one junior — and they’re still learning, but we’ll keep at it and hopefully good things will continue to come.”

Corbett, an eighth-grader, said it was her first walkoff and a memorable moment.

“It felt great because I was finally able to get a hit in the game,” Corbett said.

Ferebee, another eighth-grader, has pitched for the team after Darci Basden’s graduation and is embracing the role after a shaky start.

“I was nervous when I started out, but as the season keeps going, I’ll get better and help out the team,” Ferebee said.

The Patriots will play their next five games on the road, starting in Lewisville Friday against Forsyth Country Day.