Chesapeake softball scores 7 in the 7th to break free from Northeast for 8-0 region final win

Had Alana Watts not poked a squirrel with a water bottle, Chesapeake softball might not have been able to unload an 8-0 avalanche on its neighboring rival and earn a Class 3A state quarterfinals ticket.

Before a third inning delay in which one of the game’s officials dove bravely into the Cougars dugout and wrenched the screeching rodent out by its tail, Chesapeake’s nerves were as taut as rubber bands. Yes, they squashed Northeast in April by 11 runs, but knew this time wouldn’t be the same.