PERQUIMANS, N.C. – Perquimans’ ninth straight softball win was a statement. Even more so than its recent wins over 3A regional runner-up South Central and fellow 1A contender Bear Grass Charter.

The Pirates bounced back from an early 3-1 deficit to take down previously unbeaten Martin County 16-6 in six innings via run rule.

Coach Ricky Stallings’ team jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first before the Gators stormed back for three in the third.

That lead was short-lived, thanks to a six-run frame.

Makenzie Stokley helped herself out in the circle with a game-tying hit, and Karsyn Clayton grabbed the lead when she plated Kimberlyn Phares on a fielder’s choice.

Courtesy running for Stokley, Marli Wiggins scored a run and then took her turn reaching base with a single the other way. That set the stage for Heather Smith, who ripped a ball into the outfield and circled the bases to push the Perquimans lead to 7-3 after three.

The Pirates were far from finished. They broke into the Martin County bullpen and grabbed four more runs in the fourth.

Erica Sturgill answered back in the fifth with a three-run home run off of Addisyn Stallings to cut the Gators’ deficit to 11-6.

The heart of the Perquimans order packed one more punch in the sixth as five runs scored in the bottom half of the inning to secure the 16-6 win.

Perquimans is now 13-1 overall and 7-0 in league play. Tuesday was the Pirates’ fifth win of the season over a team in a higher classification and second against a 2024 regional finalist (South Central/Martin County).

Grassfield from Chesapeake, VA, pays a visit on Thursday before the two-game series swings to Williamston on Friday. Martin County is now 14-1 (6-1).