For Viewpoint’s Rafik, It’s Easy, Not Perfect

Roxana Rafik came within one pitch of a perfect game Friday and led Viewpoint High to an easy 12-1 win over Pilgrim in a Heritage League game. Rafik, 12-1, struck out 13 in the no-hitter, but struck a batter in the fifth inning to spoil perfection.

While Rafik cut down batters, Viewpoint’s offense exploded for eight runs in the first inning, two in the second and two more in the fifth. Chrysta Leadbetter (2 for 4) and Kimble Mancebo (a double) led Viewpoint’s batters, while Pilgrim hurt itself by committing seven errors.

Viewpoint, a 1-A Southern Section school, has lost only to 3-A Hoover. The Patriots are now 16-1 overall and 7-0 in league.