Lady Canes Now 5-0 in Region

The Jasper County High School Lady Hurricanes varsity softball squad is 5-0 in 8-AA region competition following victories over Banks County and Social Circle within the past week.

The Lady Canes are in the driver’s seat for the region with only two conference competitors remaining on the regular season schedule before the tournament begins September 26.

Both wins over the Lady Leopards, 2-1, and Lady Redskins, 4-1, were big for the young Lady Canes squad. The local squad is ranked 22nd in the state and 73rd nationally, according to statistics from MaxPreps.com Sports.

“Up to this point, these were the two biggest games of the season, and we couldn’t have asked for better pitching and defense,” said Head Coach Chris Jenkins.

“Outstanding defensive plays in both games prevented big innings. Banks loaded the bases with one out in the first inning, Mia Jenkins caught a line drive that would’ve cleared the bases then dove for the bag to double off the runner at third, ending the inning.”

“These girls are playing with unbelievable reactions and instincts,” the coach continued. “Also Mackenzie Tripp made two sliding catches in left field, and Madison Abbott threw out one of the fastest players in the state trying to steal second.”

“Early in the game against Social Circle, one of their batters hit a ball that looked like it would land over the center field fence, but Mackenzie Abbott climbed the fence and robbed the girl of a home run. Most girls would’ve shied away once they got close to the fence, but Mackenzie works so hard in practice that she looked like a college senior playing the ball, not a high school player. We were leading at the time, but that would have been a huge momentum swing for them.”

The coach also noted that Lacey Rutledge made several nice plays, and Bailey Jenkins had great pitching performances in both games.

The Lady Canes were to host Houston Wednesday, region opponent Rabun County today, Sept. 13, and G.M.C. on Monday, Sept. 17 before traveling to Putnam Tuesday, Sept. 18 for their final region game. All games begin at 5:30 p.m.