Lady ‘Canes Are Region Champs; Win First Round of State

The Lady Canes defeated Fitzgerald Wednesday, Oct. 10 twice in a first round state playoff. The ladies won both games 7-0 and will move on to host the second round game next Wednesday, Oct. 17.

The Lady ’Canes softball team traveled to Bleckley County last Thursday to face off in the Region Championship game.

They defeated Bleckley 7-3 in seven quick innings.

The ladies took the lead early, earning three runs in the first inning.

Taylor Garrett was on the mound for the ’Canes and only allowed one hit through the sixth inning. Garrett had a full count for the last batter in the game, and battled striking her out, and commencing the celebration.

Morgan Studdard went 3-4 with 4 RBIs. Kaitlan Needham was 3-3 and Aaliyah Barnes had a big two-out, two-strike, 2 RBI single that put the game away.

“Going into the game I didn’t know what to expect. I knew that if we played solid ball, that we stood a good shot at winning. Some teams, playing a big game in front of a big crowd like that, would buckle under the pressure, our girls seemed to thrive.

“Scoring three right off the bat probably helped, but they were a focused group when they stepped off of the bus, so they were going to be able to handle whatever was thrown at them. It’s a tremendous accomplishment to win a Region Title, especially against the type of competition that we see, but they also realize that this is just the beginning. Their goal is to make it to Columbus, and winning the Region is the first step.”

The Lady ’Canes were scheduled play a doubleheader at home yesterday, Oct. 10 in the first round of State Playoffs.