The Apalachee High School softball team took care of business quickly Tuesday afternoon and then honored its four seniors.
The 12-0 win in four innings against visiting Clarke Central was a victory the Lady Wildcats needed, coach Mike Cavey said.
“We came out and hit the softball well,” the coach said. “We got lazy one inning and allowed them to get us out in order. The best thing was we finished the game in a fast manner and then were able to celebrate senior night.”
The AHS seniors — Danielle Christensen, Jordan Allen, Morgan Walters and Morgan Thompson — were each recognized in a postgame ceremony which featured their families and teammates. A team cookout was then held.
On the field, the Lady Wildcats jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the first inning as Hannah Medlam, Christensen, Allen and Ashley Walraven all crossed home.
The game also marked the return of Becca Meade on the pitcher’s mound. The sophomore has battled a leg injury this season, but looked effective Tuesday recording seven strikeouts in four innings of work.
“This was a good warm-up for her,” Cavey said of his pitcher. “We will see how she feels tomorrow. With her pitching, it helps our defense. It’s possible we could use her against Winder-Barrow Thursday. If not, Ashley (Walraven) is tested and would be ready to go.”
AHS added two more runs in the bottom of the second inning Tuesday including home runs by Carsyn Flanigan and Allen.
Six more runs in the bottom of the fourth closed the door. Flanigan scored when Christensen reached on an error. Allen then connected for a two-run homer.
Morgan Walters picked up an RBI on an infield single which allowed Walraven to score. A two-run double by junior Kelsie Herbert closed the door on the visiting Lady Gladiators.
The win keeps the Lady Wildcats in postseason contention.
Depending on other scenarios, Thursday’s game between Apalachee and Winder-Barrow (6:30 p.m. start) could be for fourth place in the region.
“We have to be prepared,” Cavey said. “It probably won’t be a high-scoring game like the first time we played. We have to be ready to play.”
The Lady Wildcat coach also praised his quartet of seniors following Tuesday’s game.
“Some have been in the program since they were in the eighth grade,” Cavey said. “That was my first year coaching the softball program. They are not only good players, but good people. They are like my own kids and they have contributed a lot to our program.”
