With the exception of the Bravettes double-header against Hopkins County, the girls' softball team has had a good run for the last few games. Last Friday, the Bravettes hosted the Henderson Lady Colonels at the Bill Duncan field where they outscored them by one run in a game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Pitching for the Bravettes was junior Morgan Utley as the girls took to the field for the top of the first inning. After the first batter for Henderson grounded out, the second batter up was able to single to first, giving Henderson their first runner on base. Trying to keep the Lady Colonels at bay, Utley was able to strike out the next batter but then Henderson's Chandler singled, sending the first runner to second who was able to advance to home off an error. The Lady Colonels gained their first run into the inning with hopes of more but the last batter for Henderson grounded out, giving the Bravettes the opportunity to nix Henderson's lead.
Batting first for the Bravettes was sophomore Page Davis, who was walked. Sophomore Taner Fowler, who had a big showing that night, stepped up to plate after Davis and tripled, bringing in Davis for Union's first run. After Utley and Taylor Babbs both struck out, freshman Erin Burnette was able to bring Fowler home when she hit a single and Henderson made a missed pass. Carle Davis was up to bat last and was unable to reach base after she grounded out.
As they ended the first inning and went into the top of the second, the Bravettes had a one-run lead over Henderson. The second inning progressed quickly as all of Henderson's players were put out as well as Union's.
Coming into the top of the third, the Lady Colonels were able to switch the lead as they gained two more runs, putting them one ahead of the Bravettes. However, the bottom of the third was the inning that helped the Bravettes to defeat Henderson
P.Davis was the next batter up for the Bravettes as she took to the plate. Hitting a double, she was batted forward to home after Fowler singled. As Utley was up to bat, Fowler was able to steal second base. Utley sacrifice flied, bringing P.Davis home and sending Fowler to third, who was also able to make it home after Henderson overthrew the ball. Babbs was next to bat for the Bravettes but she struck out swinging, followed by Burnette who grounded out.
As the game went into top of the fourth, the Bravettes were now up by three runs. Henderson was able to get on base with their first batter who was able to get to third. Utley struck out Henderson's next batter but followed by two put-outs. Henderson was left with two runners on base as the Bravettes got ready to try and widened their lead.
C.Davis, who was up to bat for Union, lined out followed by Raven Sprague who struck out. Katelyn Bickett was left to bat and was able to single to first. Waiting for the pitch, Bickett left the base a little too early resulting in another out for the girls'.
For the fifth inning, Henderson's batters were all put out as each one either flied out or grounded out. The Bravettes came up to bat with Cartwright the next to plate. Cartwright hit a foul ball but it was caught by Henderson's catcher and put her out. P.Davis was next to bat and she grounded out. Fowler stepped up and singled to first, having freshman Madison Dayberry step in as her pinch runner. As Utley stepped up to bat, she hit the ball and was able to make it to base off a fielder's choice but caused Dayberry to be forced out on second, which was the last out for the Bravettes.
The next two innings were runless as Henderson struggled to gain back a lead without success, giving the Bravettes the opportunity to keep their lead and send Henderson home. The final score of the game after the seventh inning was 4-3. Utley pitched seven hits with three runs and one earned run. She threw four strikeouts with two bases on balls.
The Bravettes next game will be this Thursday when they host Hopkinsville at 5 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
