Lakeside rallies late to edge Lady Backs, 7-6, in softball

TEXARKANA, Ark. — It’s never over until it’s over.

The Arkansas High Ladybacks (0-2, 0-2) experienced heartache in that very scenario Monday night at home as they played host to Conference 5A-South opponent Lakeside Lady Rams (2-1, 2-0).

After the Lady Backs jumped out to a six-run lead through the first five innings, Lakeside scored seven runs in the final two frames to secure the come-from-behind 7-6 win.

The offense started quickly for Arkansas High, as it took advantage of a leadoff single by Aniya Arnold, a two-RBI single from Macie Lee, two walks and four hit-batsmen to go ahead 5-0 after the first inning.

The Lady Backs would tack on their sixth and final run in the second inning, courtesy of a RBI single from Jewel Smart, chasing Lakeside starting pitcher Hadley Dodge after just 3 1/3 innings. Lee finished 4-for-4 at the plate with four singles and scored two runs.

Lee, the southpaw in the circle for Arkansas High, was solid through her first five innings. She surrendered no runs while allowing just two singles, striking out six, and yielding three walks. Lee went the distance in the hardluck loss.

Lakeside would not go away quietly, as the Rams got a spark in the top of the sixth inning, drawing two walks and using a sacrifice fly to start their rally.

The next three batters connected for two doubles and a single to cut into the Arkansas High’s lead at 6-4. A leadoff single and a walk to start the top of the seventh inning, followed by two costly errors by the Lady Backs, paved the way for three more Lakeside runs.

Arkansas High was held scoreless in the bottom of the seventh to fall 7-6.

The Lady Backs will be back in action at home tonight against conference foe Benton. Gametime is 5 p.m. at Razorback Field.