MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Patrick & Henry Community College Softball opened its 2026 home schedule in dominant fashion Wednesday, sweeping a doubleheader from Southwest Virginia Community College with 8-0 and 11-0 victories in the Lady Patriots' first home games of the season.

The sweep was powered by back-to-back standout performances in the circle and consistent offensive production throughout both contests.

Game One: Carola Leads the Way in 8-0 Win

Sophomore Lily Carola (Union, WV) was electric in the opener, striking out 10 over five innings while allowing just one hit and issuing no walks in the shutout victory.

P&HCC jumped out early in the bottom of the first inning. Sophomore Laura Brown (Verona, VA) singled home a run, freshman Sierra Custer (Grottoes, VA) followed with a two-run double, and sophomore Morgan McCrary (Bassett, VA) added an RBI groundout to give the Patriots a 4-0 advantage.

The Patriots extended their lead in the third with RBI singles from freshman Trinity Aherron (Danville, VA), sophomore Haley Goode (Moneta, VA), and sophomore Hannah Frink (Vinton, VA). Freshman Allison Brooks (Stuarts Draft, VA) added a solo home run to center field in the fifth to cap the scoring.

Custer drove in two runs and stole two bases as part of a five-stolen-base effort by the Patriots. Brown and Brooks each collected two hits. Defensively, P&HCC did not commit an error, with Goode handling a team-high 10 chances.

Game Two: Smith Throws No-Hitter as Patriots Complete the Sweep

Sophomore Aris Smith (King George, VA) followed with a dominant performance in the nightcap, striking out 10 and tossing a five-inning no-hitter to secure the 11-0 win.

The Patriots once again set the tone early, as Brooks launched a two-run home run to center field in the first inning. In the second, Custer delivered a sacrifice fly and freshman Mckenzie Cobb (Yanceyville, NC) added an RBI single.

P&HCC broke the game open in the third inning with five runs. Brooks tripled to drive in one, freshman Kayli Alvarado (Harrisonburg, VA) recorded an RBI groundout, Custer drew a bases-loaded walk, and two additional runs scored on a Southwest Virginia error.

Brooks finished 2-for-2 with three RBIs from the cleanup spot, while sophomore Hannah Haynes (Virginia Beach, VA) also tallied two hits in the nightcap.

Head Coach Robbi Campbell was pleased with the response from his team in its first home action of the season.

"Today was exactly what we needed to get back on track," Campbell said. "We saw two strong pitching performances and consistent hitting in both games. I'm very proud of how our young ladies continue to grind and never settle. We're making great strides every day we step on the field."

The Lady Patriots will travel to Bryant & Stratton College on Saturday as they continue to build momentum early in the season.

For more information on P&HCC Athletics, visit phccsports.com.