The Gilmer Lady Cats were back on the softball field as they made their way through the nonregion schedule.
The Cats were home for a pair of matchups last Tuesday and Thursday. First up was Dawson County, and GHS could not buy a hit when it needed it most. The Tigers racked up five extra base hits on the day and claimed a 7-0 win.
The Cats were able to get on the board against the Murray County Indians two days later. GHS found its offense in the late innings, but Murray was able to hold off the Cats to win, 6-3.
Consecutive doubles started Tuesday’s tilt versus Dawson. Following a single and sacrifice fly, the Cats found themselves immediately down, 3-0. GHS pitcher Lily Fortune and the defense held the Tigers’ bats in check over the next two innings, but DCHS added its fourth run on a bases loaded walk.
Back-to-back hits started the fifth inning for Dawson. GHS nearly got out of the inning, but with two outs, a home run over the left field fence extended the Tigers’ lead to 7-0.
Gilmer collected five hits but left six runners stranded in scoring position. Makayla Martin collected two hits for GHS. Mia Henson recorded a double, and both Jaylee McDaniel and Emma Cagle singled.
GHS pitching: Phoenix Addie 0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER. Fortune 4 2/3 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 4 K, 1 BB. Sarah Dale 2 1/3 IP, 1 H, 2 K, 1 BB.
The Cats were down early against Murray as well. Of the Indians 10 hits, five came in their first at-bat. Three consecutive singles gave MCHS a 2-0 edge. A one out double scored a third run, but the Cats did throw a runner out at home on the play.
Murray scored one of its two unearned runs in the second inning. MCHS added a run in both the fifth and sixth innings as well.
GHS loaded the bases in the third on Henson’s base hit to center before Gracie Morrow and Martin walked. However, the Cats were unable to take advantage.
In addition to Dale’s big offensive day, Henson notched three hits. Dale pitched five innings, struck out two and gave up seven hits and three earned runs. Fortune tossed the final two innings and allowed an earned run off three hits while striking out one.
The Cats began region play Monday evening at Ridgeland and lost to the Panthers in five innings, 8-0. Gilmer was limited to two hits and Mary Grace Jones and Henson had one apiece.
The Panthers scored three runs in the first inning and two were unearned due to a GHS error. The Cats held the Panthers to one hit over their next three at-bats. But in the fifth, RHS plated five runs to end the game.
Six straight base hits started the frame for RHS, which included a two-run double. GHS was able to get one out ahead of the Panthers’ eighth run.
GHS pitching: Fortune 4 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 10 K, 1 BB. Addie 1/3 IP, 1 H.
GHS has a 1-5 overall record and continued its region slate at press deadline against Heritage. The Cats will host Heritage Thursday for a 6 p.m. game.