NGAC Softball: Saddle Ridge stuns Gordon Lee in regular season finale

Saddle Ridge Middle School honored its eighthgrade softball class this past Thursday and then went out and pulled off what head coach Daniel Scoggins called “the biggest win in program history” by taking down perennial powerhouse Gordon Lee, 2-0, in a game played at LaFayette High School.

The Mustangs, who have allowed just one run in their last three games, got the shutout on Thursday behind rock-solid defense and the arm of Haley Stahl, who finished with six strikeouts.

The game was scoreless through five-and-ahalf innings before Saddle Ridge would break the deadlock with a two-out rally.

Abby Sansing singled to bring up Madison Sisemore, who tripled to right and later scored on a throwing error.

That would be all the offense Stahl would need as she picked up the victory by completing the shutout in the seventh. Sisemore was 2 for 3 on the night. Madi Ashley and LaTyah Barber added hits for Saddle Ridge, while eighth graders Ashlyn Jenkins, Grace Hamilton and Anna Grace Gilreath were singled out for their leadership in the final home game of the year.

Saddle Ridge finished the regular season 6-9-1 overall and 4-4 in league play.

Jordan Dyer led Gordon Lee (14-4, 6-2) with two hits, including a double. Emma Minghini, Madison Farrow and Emma Langston each had one hit. Minghini struck out 13 batters, but had to settle for the loss.

The Lady Trojans finished the year as the regular season league runner-up.

The NGAC tournament was scheduled to begin on Monday. Saddle Ridge, the No. 5 seed, is playing at No. 4 Trion for the right to face topseeded Heritage in the semifinals. Meanwhile, No. 2 Gordon Lee will await the winner of the game between No. 3 Ringgold and No. 6 Dade County. The semifinals will be played on Tuesday. In other action, from the last week of the season, the Chattanooga Valley Lady Eagles honored lone eighth grader Ally Grace Thomas this past Thursday and Thomas responded with a hit and an RBI in a home win over Rossville.

Maggie Dickson belted a grand slam in the victory, while Madison Bowman - normally a pitcher - got the start behind the plate and caught Halie Thompson, who threw a no-hitter. Bowman also added a double at the plate.