Eastern Region softball final

Hickory pitcher Jennifer Gniadek turned in a stellar effort pitching and hitting in their 6-0 region title win over Woodside at Princess Anne High School. The Hawks broke a scoreless tie in their half of the fifth as Amber Phillips, in as a pinch runner after a base hit by Emily Ambrous, scores on an infield hit to give Hickory the early 1-0 lead.
The Hawks expanded their advantage when it counted most, in the late innings. In the seventh, back to back bases loaded walks plated a pair of runs to make it 3-0 and for good measure, Gniadek delivered at the plate, a bases clearing single to make it 6-0.
It would be plenty for Gniadek, who pitched a two hit complete game shutout, recording 13 strikeouts in recording her 20th win of the season.
Hickory, which improves to 24-1, plays host to the Northern Region runner-up, either Westfield or Herndon, while Woodside (20-3) will hit the road to face the Northern Region title game winner as sites and game times will be announced at a later date.