ELLAVILLE — In a rematch of last year’s region championship series, it was Schley County coming out on top of Taylor County with a 7-1 win on Wednesday.

Mackenzie Smith and Ansley Phillips both had three hits, and Phillips had a double as the Lady Wildcats (7-4) won their fifth in a row.

“This was a great win for us,” said coach Brandy Conner. “I think that it was a great confidence booster for us.”

The Lady Vikings (7-8) scored one in the first and was shut out the rest of the way. Schley answered with three in the bottom half of the frame and added to its lead in the third, fifth and sixth innings.

“It was great to be able to come back and score in the bottom of the first after they scored,” said Conner. “It is nice to jump ahead early and not have to play catch up throughout the game. It also gave Jessie (Eason) some cushion.”

Hannah Liles singled in two runs for a 5-1 lead in the third, and Bonnie Cathryn Morris’ RBI-single and an error plated the other two runs.

Morris had two hits with two RBI, and Audrey Davis had two RBI.

Conner said while Smith and Phillips have carried the team early, others still need to step up.

“Ansley and Mackenzie are doing a great job in the 2-3 slot,” she said. “If they are on, the rest of the team contributes. I still feel though, that we can be 9 strong in our lineup.”

Eason scattered three hits while striking out five and walking one in the win.

While the game didn’t count toward the region standings, Conner said it was a good win to build on; Schley’s trip to Butler on Sept. 28, the last day of the regular season, could make a big impact in the seeding for the region tournament.

“Taylor always has a strong team,” she said. “We cannot underestimate anyone, even when we have won against them. I think that the outcome is going to depend on who makes the fewest errors and who can capitalize on the errors made by the other team. I feel that Pacelli and Brookstone are going to be tough. We have to come out ready to play from here on out.”

Schley hosted Dooly County on Thursday and will play at the Shaw Invitational this weekend.



Southland 13, Deerfield 1

AMERICUS — Alex Lindsey had three hits, and she struck out four while allowing three hits as the Lady Raiders beat Deerfield for a second time this season.

Tobi West had two hits, including a double, to go with two RBI, and Hannah McCain had two hits with three RBI. Southland had 12 hits total.

Hallie Jones’ RBI-single by the third baseman ended the game in the fourth inning.

Sabrina Curry led Deerfield with two hits, which were a double and a triple.

The Lady Raiders host Randolph Southern at 1 p.m. Saturday.