Reaching for more
Armuchee, Chattooga earn wins, gain momentum for tourney
As if playing their biggest rival wasn’t enough incentive, the Armuchee softball team had a little extra boost of motivation on Tuesday.
The Lady Indians were looking to lock down a second-place finish in the subregion standings — and they accomplished that goal by beating Model, 13- 0, in four innings.
“The girls knew what they had at stake: to possibly finish as high as second in the subregion,” said Armuchee coach Shane Arp, “All we can do is take care of our part, and a win tonight did that.”
The win also gave Arp a good feeling going into the upcoming region tournament, which starts on Saturday at Alto Park. (Armuchee has one regular- season game remaining, hosting Trion today).
“As a coach, you like to see your team peak at the right time,” said Arp, “and here we are, (about) to start the region tournament on Saturday. I’d like to think we’re going into it playing our best ball.”
For continued coverage of prep softball, visit prepcentralonline.com.
Allison Acker led Armuchee’s offense, going 2- for- 3 with four RBIs for the Lady Indians (10-13, 6- 3), who scored six runs in the first inning.
Pitcher Hannah Murray gave up only two hits in three innings and struck out five batters, and Lindsey Smith sealed the deal in the last inning, giving up one hit and striking out three.
Kayla Merrit had two of Model’s hits, one of which was a double, and Amber Lovering provided the other for the Lady Devils (214, 2-6).
Despite the loss, Model coach Brett White remained optimistic.
“We have the ability to play well,” he said. “Obviously, we didn’t tonight, but when you put it all together we can compete and give some teams a run for their money.”
“They hit the ball and we didn’t. That’s the bottom line.”
The Lady Devils will host Calhoun today in their regularseason finale.
In other action Tuesday: Chattooga 5,
Coosa 0
Chattooga pitcher Krysta Adams tossed a one-hit shutout and finished with seven strikeouts to lead the Lady Indians to a 7-AA South win.
The lone hit Adams allowed was a leadoff single to Sydnie Clark in the first inning.
Chattooga, which is having the best season in the program’s history, improved to 19-5 overall and moved to 8-0 in the subregion.
Karlie Jarrett finished 3- for- 4 with two RBIs, and Tori Willingham added two hits and two RBIs.
Tab Adams, Natalie Hegwood, Hannah Marks and Kam Bankston had one hit each.
Prior to this year, Chattooga had never won more than 12 games in a season, but head coach Jeff Bennett has turned the program around in recent seasons.
Chattooga visits Calhoun on Thursday in the Lady Indians’ regular-season finale.
Coosa’s next action will be in the region tournament, which starts Saturday at Alto Park.
Win or lose, the postgame atmosphere on Senior Day often has a solemn tone.
It’s an emotional event for the players who are saying good-bye to the field where they’ve spent countless hours practicing and playing games in the past four years.
It’s also emotional time for their teammates. And their coaches. And most definitely, their parents.
The Pepperell program held its Senior Day festivities on Tuesday following the Lady Dragons’ 6-1 loss to Murray County in Lindale.
Pepperell coach Jeff Rickman fought back tears during the postgame ceremony after watching four of his players — including his daughter, Erika — play their final game on their home turf.
“It was a hard day,” said Rickman. “I have been coaching several of these young ladies since they were eight- years- old, and they’ve been a big part of program.”
Hoping to help send out her senior teammates on a winning note, Pepperell sophomore Bailey Jackson connected for a homer in the first inning.
But her blast proved to be the lone run for the Lady Dragons.
Senior Melora Kay had a pair of hits in her final home game. Erika Rickman had a double for the Lady Dragons, who close the regular season today with a trip to Dade County and then open play in the Region 7-AA tourney on Saturday at Alto Park.
Here’s a look at the other seniors from the Floyd County teams who have been (or soon will be) recognized during the Senior Day festivities for their respective schools:
ARMUCHEE: Casey Born, Jessica Armstrong, Natalie Shoemaker, Amber Hill.
COOSA: Alicia Osborn, Sydnie Clark, Meredith Edwards
DARLINGTON: Carly Duke, Mary Grace Denson, Terar Stewart, Taylor Sullins.
PEPPERELL: Melora Kay, Katie Beth Parker, Breanna Landers Erika Rickman
MODEL: Sara Locklear, Amber Lovering, Kayla Merritt, Brittany Holden, Britni Freeman.
ROME: Jalia Williams, Courtney Lovingood, Courtney Adams, Kennedy Blose, Theresa Stevens, Destiny KerrBrown, Laura Whitlow.