Lady Hurricanes Split Week, 4-A Region Play Continues

The Monticello Lady Hurricane softball program had their biggest week to date, facing the top two teams in Region 4-A in Social Circle and Lamar County, and facing both teams on the road on back to back days to top it off.

Last Wednesday, the Lady Canes went up Highway 11 to Social Circle, home of the Lady Redskins, in a make-up of last week’s contest that was postponed by rain. In what amounted to a pitcher’s duel, the teams were deadlocked at 1-all headed into the bottom of the sixth. Social Circle was able to take advantage of a leadoff walk, and clutch two-out hitting to put two runs on the board, making the final margin 3-1.

Emily Whitwell took the hard luck loss for the Canes, going the route in six innings, only allowing three hits and four strikeouts, but only one of the three runs allowed was earned. Kamryn Davis scored the only run of the game for the Hurricanes, reaching on an infield single, advancing on an error by the shortstop, and moving to third on a single by Haven Cannon that loaded the bases. She scored during the next at-bat on a wild pitch. A groundout ended the threat of any more scoring, and the Monticello offense was held at bay for the duration of the game.

Last Thursday the team traveled to Barnesville to take on the Lamar County Lady Trojans. Always a close game when the two teams meet, this was no exception. The afternoon began with a JV game between the two squads, with the JV Canes battling out a 5-4 win, coming from behind on the strength of back to back triples from Kayle McCart and Kaylee Gentes. Gentes then scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch to give the squad a lead in the top of the sixth that they wouldn’t give back to secure the win.

The varsity squad picked up where the JV left off in their game, plating two runs in the top of the first and sustaining a lead throughout the contest, holding off repeated Lamar County threats, and leaving runners on the bases as the Canes worked around nine Trojan hits in the game.

Kylee Schell picked up the win, going the first 4.1 innings, allowing six hits, but only two runs, one of which was earned. Whitwell came in and shut the door for any chances the Trojans thought they may have had for a comeback, pitching the final 2.2 innings to pick up the save, working around traffic with three hits allowed and two walks, but also leaving that traffic in place to the tune of five strikeouts.

Kelsey Vining was able to manufacture two runs during the game without a hit, plating Whitwell on a sac bunt, and driving her in again later in the game on a groundout. Whitwell accounted for five total bases on the game, picking up a double and triple along with her two runs scored. Hailey Roper also had a productive day at the plate, also going 2/4 and scoring two runs. Haven Cannon drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Gracie Roper came up big with an RBI single.

The team is back in action this week, playing Tuesday at home in a doubleheader against McNair, and going on the road in a return venture with the Griffin Lady Bears. The Lady Canes do have two home games next week, hosting Towers on Tuesday, and Social Circle, in what could be a battle for the number one spot in the region on Thursday, Sept. 19.