The Jackson County Comprehensive High School softball team remains unbeaten (3-0-2) as it faces a rivalry game with East Jackson Thursday and then a huge region matchup with no. 3 ranked North Oconee Tuesday.
Before all that, the Panthers take on Hart County today (Wednesday) at 5:55 p.m. at home. Jackson County beat Hart County 7-3 last week.
The Panthers’ game with East Jackson the next day (Thursday, 5:55 p.m.) pits Jackson County against a nearby rival looking for its first win.
“We are definitely looking forward to that game,” coach Lisa Robinson said. “With that game being at home, and the intense rivalry, we are anxious to play well on Thursday. As with any game, it all depends on who shows up -- that determines the win. Stats and records are always thrown out the window when it comes to rivalries.”
The Panthers will then try to knock off North Oconee five days later when they play the senior-laden Titans at home at 5:55 p.m.
North Oconee is 8-3 overall and 4-0 in region play.
Robinson notes that the North Oconee game followed with a meeting with Jefferson two days later on Sept. 9 makes for a tough back-to-back stretch.
“Next week is an intense week for us,” Robinson said. “Not only do we play North Oconee, but also Jefferson - both games are probably the tougher two ball teams in our region. North Oconee has eight seniors and are an offensive powerhouse, while Jefferson's name alone stands for itself."
As September begins, several Panthers are stepping up their games, according to Robinson.
“Some of the girls doing well right now include Victoria Woods, Ashleigh Lance, Brooke Griggs, Andrea Ledford and Victoria Fontana. (They) are all holding our defense solid,” Robinson said. “Haley Shinall's pitching is improving and she's been pitching impressively lately. Offensively speaking, we are inconsistent as far as who is and who isn't getting on base. In the game against Elbert, Haley Shinall, Ashleigh Lance, Brooke Griggs and Kelsey Turner all did well and got on base. We are continuing to focus a great deal on our offensive game and hope for a successful week next week.”
Jackson County remained unbeaten on the season and moved to 2-0 in 8-AA play with a 2-1 victory over Elbert County Thursday on the road.
Brooke Griggs led Jackson County offensively with a 2-for-3 afternoon. Macey Latty, Haley Shinall and Ashleigh Lance all went 1-for-3. Shinall added an RBI.
Kelsey Turner had two stolen bases.
Though not stagnant, Jackson County’s offense lacked timely hitting with runners in scoring position, Robinson said.
“We hit the ball very well, but just couldn’t seem to get our breakout hits to move runners around to score,” Robinson said.
Defensively, Jackson County committed no errors.
Kortnee Satterfield pitched five innings and struck out four before giving way to Shinall in the sixth. The junior closed the game with three strikeouts.
JV NOTES: Jackson County’s junior varsity picked up a 4-2 victory Thursday behind three RBIs from Kaley Tanner and 1-for-2 days at the plate from Kristin Anderson and Jordan Evans.
“They played very well and pulled out a win in their first game,” Robinson said.
