MS Lady Cougars Cap Memorable Season
Piedmont Academy’s Middle School softball team finished a 15-3 season Saturday after winning an all-day tournament at John Milledge Academy.
The Lady Cougars began the tournament with a 9-3 win against Trinity Christian.
After not being able to score in the first two innings, Piedmont put six runs on the board in the third on an RBI single by Cassidy Cook, a three-run double by Madison Johnson and an RBI double by Hailey Hooper. During the game, Hooper was an impressive 3-for-3 at the plate.
Madison Morton pitched and allowed only two hits, no earned runs and one walk while striking out six.
“This was a great start for us and set the pace for what looked like would be a great day,” said coach Kristie Lewis.
The Middle School Lady Cougars then defeated Westfield 7-0 by scoring six runs in the first three innings. Hooper had an RBI single while Lucy Tuggle drove in two runs. Cook also had an RBI single.
Morton earned the win allowing no earned runs and striking out four.
Piedmont then lost a tough 3-1 contest to John Milledge despite having more hits than the Lady Trojans. JMA scored three runs in the third inning after a two-run error and an RBI single.
Morton drove in the lone run for the Lady Cougars with a double. Morton also once again pitched well with three strikeouts.
Piedmont was able to rebound with a 3-1 win against Westfield as Morton allowed no earned runs, striking out two during the five-inning game. Cook helped the offense with a triple in the first inning, which scored Morton. The Lady Cougars added two more runs on an error.
In a rematch against John Milledge, Piedmont took an 8-1 win. Morton continued her steady performance on the pitcher’s mound with five more strikeouts.
The Lady Cougars had to defeat John Milledge twice so an extra “shootout style” game was played. Each team would start with runners on second and third and continue until one squad led after an inning.
Piedmont won the coin toss to be the designated home team. The Lady Cougars took the field for defense first and after a JMA run, Madison Johnson threw a runner out at third base. Jordan Camp then caught a fly ball at second base and threw it to third for a double play.
Now having its turn to bat, Piedmont began with two runners on base and Cook connected for a triple to center field scoring Gracie Hunt and Camp for the win.
The last three games of the tournament were played on the softball field at Georgia College & State University.
“The girls really enjoyed getting out there on such great facilities and winning the tournament to top things off,” Lewis said. “We had a great season with a 15-3 record and a trophy to show for it. I couldn’t be more proud of the girls and the work they put in.”
Prior to the tournament, the Middle School Lady Cougars defeated Flint River 15-0 last week jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead after the first inning. Rylee Owens and Tuggle helped lead the team offensively.
“It was a true team effort with nine different players driving in runs,” said coach Kirstie Lewis. “Kenzie Rodgers did a fantastic job pitching all three innings.”
Rodgers had seven strikeouts while allowing just two hits.
Piedmont faced Briarwood on September 25 and dropped a 6-5 game. Rodgers worked the entire game while Ava Anglin drove in two runs.