Lady Dragons win scrimmage against Lions

With a couple of tremendous plays, Jefferson managed to score a late game win.

“We made a lot of mental errors running the bases but that's ok - those are things we can fix. We also did a terrible job of getting bunts down which is also something we can fix,” said Puckett. “However, I am very proud how the girls handled the pressure of the late innings.”

The scoreboard was deadlocked 0-0 throughout the seven innings and only Franklin county runners had made it past first base by the sixth with the exception of senior Callie Holloway who made it around the bags, but was not quite fast enough to beat the ball to home.

In the eighth, Franklin County was up to bat with a go-ahead runner on second. Shortstop Summmer Bartek and catcher Brittany Smith saved the game for the Lady Dragons. Bartek got the ball to Smith who managed to hold onto it as the Lion’s runner barreled over her.

Puckett said, “[Bartek] never hesitated and Brittney Smith did an awesome job of hanging on to the ball and tagging the runner out.”

Puckett credits seniors Devin Stanley and Jennifer Brueshaber as the heroes of Tuesday night’s game.

With go-ahead runner Erin Knight on second, Stanley shoved a bunt past the Franklin defense to advance the runner and take first base. Stanley then had a delayed steal for second leaving Brueshaber to deliver the final blow with a line drive scoring Knight and Stanley.

“We won in typical Lady Dragon dramatic fashion,” Puckett said. “We were excited to start things out on the right foot but agreed as a team that we have much to learn and improve on.”

Puckett continued to say, “We know that the move to AA will be different and it is without a doubt one of the most loaded softball regions in the state. We really feel that by playing a grueling schedule against bigger schools such as the ones we will face this weekend will pay off come region play. The girls bought into it last year despite taking a few on the chin by schools with bigger and stronger athletes but in the end - I think it was a huge contributing factor to our success. This weekend's tournament will be tough but I know our kids will respond to the challenge as our main goal right now is to improve every game and play 110 percent in every moment.”

Excited by the upcoming season the Lady Dragons will be back on the field this weekend for the South Gwinnett Tourney. The away game times have yet to be announced.