Robbinsville's Ella Nelms throws perfect game in Week 7 girls spring sports

Nelms' dominant pitching performance highlights top individual efforts across WNC high school softball and soccer.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:07am

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Ella Nelms of Robbinsville High School threw a five-inning perfect game, striking out 12 batters in a 10-0 win over Cherokee. Her standout pitching effort was among the top individual performances by Western North Carolina high school girls in softball and soccer during Week 7 of the spring sports season.

Why it matters

Nelms' perfect game showcases the high level of talent in WNC high school softball, where players are putting up impressive stat lines and leading their teams to victories. The region is home to many skilled young athletes across multiple spring sports.

The details

In addition to Nelms' perfect game, other top performers included Reese Smith of North Henderson with two goals and an assist in a 4-1 win, Reagan Simons of West Henderson scoring the game-winning goal in the 89th minute of a 2-1 victory, Shelby Simpson of North Henderson going 2-for-4 with four RBIs, a home run and three runs scored in a 16-5 win, and Makena Henderson of West Henderson hitting two home runs and driving in five RBIs in a 16-2 win.

  • Ella Nelms threw her perfect game on April 7, 2026.

The players

Ella Nelms

A pitcher for the Robbinsville High School softball team who threw a five-inning perfect game, striking out 12 batters in a 10-0 win over Cherokee.

Reese Smith

A player for the North Henderson High School girls soccer team who recorded two goals and an assist in a 4-1 win over Franklin.

Reagan Simons

A player for the West Henderson High School girls soccer team who scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute of a 2-1 victory over Smoky Mountain.

Shelby Simpson

A player for the North Henderson High School softball team who went 2-for-4 with four RBIs, a home run and three runs scored in a 16-5 win over East Henderson.

Makena Henderson

A player for the West Henderson High School softball team who hit two home runs and drove in five RBIs in a 16-2 win over Hendersonville.

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What they’re saying

“Ella Nelms' perfect game was an incredible performance. She was dominant on the mound and really set the tone for our team's victory.”

— Robbinsville Head Coach

What’s next

Robbinsville will look to build on Ella Nelms' perfect game as they continue their softball season, while the other top performers will aim to lead their teams to more wins in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The high school girls spring sports scene in Western North Carolina is thriving, with talented athletes across softball and soccer putting up standout individual efforts and leading their teams to success. Ella Nelms' perfect game showcases the elite level of play in the region.