Lady Vols handle rival at home
Hard work was rewarded for the Starkville Academy Lady Volunteers on Thursday afternoon.
Starkville Academy head softball coach Lee Berryhill has a team that wants to be successful and that’s why the 19-4 victory at home over the Heritage Academy Lady Patriots was so satisfying.
The Lady Vols used a pair of big innings offensively to cruise over their rival from Columbus.
“Everything is still a work in progress for us and we know that, but at least we are working forward and working hard every day,” Berryhill said. “We had two good practices and put the ball in play (Thursday). We’re just taking it one game at a time and just keep working. I’m proud of them.”
After Heritage scored the first run of the game in the first inning, Starkville Academy came back with eight runs in their half of the frame. The big blow was a three-run double by Allie Grace Williams.
The Lady Patriots added another run in the second inning, but watched as the Lady Vols put up a nine-spot to take a 17-2 lead. Starkville Academy had a three-run double in the inning off the bat of Browning Hughes and Williams drove in two more runs with a single.
The two teams traded runs in the third inning, which caused the game to end on a run rule.
Williams had the best day at the plate for the Lady Vols with two singles, a double and five RBIS.
“I’ve practiced a lot and learned a lot of things from my coach to just hit the ball right where you want it,” Williams said.
Browning had two doubles for the Lady Vols, Caralyne Montgomery and Calliope Koiva added a double and single each and Austin Tucker contributed a pair of singles. Starkville Academy had 13 hits a a team.
The Lady Vols, who improved their records to 8-6 overall and 2-3 in District 1-4A, have road games at Winston Academy and Kemper Academy next week.