By Staff Reports

 

ROCHELLE, GA – On Saturday, August 11, Schley County and Wilcox County were deadlocked at 3-3 going into the top of the fifth inning. However, the Lady Wildcats softball team scored seven runs in the top of the fifth to pull away and defeat Wilcox County 11-6.

“We played extremely well. We used our speed well,” Schley County head coach Jody Sellars said. “We had a couple of bunts for hits. We played solid defense and got a quality start from Saige Whaley.”  Sellars went on to say that the Lady Wildcats had a total of 12 stolen bases. Emily Campbell had four stolen bases. Carmen Phillips, Kelli Rees and Tamia Kelley each had two stolen bases, and Maddie Tobin and Alexis Bradshaw each had one stolen base.

“It was our first full ball game we have been able to play and it was one to build off of,” Sellars said. “We will be successful if we do the things we did against Wilcox on a consistent basis.”

Schley County’s first three games of the season could not be completed due to lightning delays.

With the teams tied at 3-3 going into the top of the fifth, the Lady Wildcats made their move. Carmen Phillips led off the inning by reaching on an error by the Wilcox County third baseman. After Phillips stole second base, Nyiah Kelley doubled to right field, scoring Phillips to give Schley County the lead. Emily Campbell singled to drive in Kelley. After Campbell stole both second and third base, Landon Whaley singled home Campbell to make it 6-3 Schley County. Perri DeVane then belted a two-run home run to give the Lady Wildcats a five-run lead. Schley County continued to keep the bats hot as Kelli Rees singled, followed by another single by Tamia Kelley. Kelley advanced to second on the play, and Rees scored to make it 9-3 Schley County. Carmen Phillips would later reach first on a dropped third strike. Kelley scored on the play to make it 10-3.

Each team scored one run in the sixth inning. With the score 11-4 in favor of Schley County, it was the Lady Patriots’ last chance in the bottom of the seventh. They were able to score two runs, but it would not be enough as the Lady Wildcats were able to hold on and win.

Carmen Phillips went 2-for-4 at the plate, driving in two RBIs and scoring two runs. Alexis Bradshaw went 2-for-5 and scored two runs. Nyiah Kelley, Emily Campbell and Perri DeVane each went 2-for-4. Kelley drove in two RBIS and scored a run. Campbell drove in an RBI and scored two runs, and DeVane drove in two RBIs and scored a run.

Saige Whaley pitched five innings for Schley County. She gave up three runs on three hits. All of those runs were earned. She walked one batter and struck out two. DeVane came on in relief and pitched an inning. She gave up three runs on three hits. Two of those runs were earned. She walked two batters and struck out none. The final pitcher for Schley County was Hannah Crawford. Crawford pitched one inning, giving up no runs, hits or walks and striking out one batter.

The Lady Wildcats will try to continue their winning ways when they host Veterans on Wednesday, August 15. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.