Flashes of the Future
Emma Groce patrolling the outfield for the Lady Hornets in their home opener. Photo by T.J. Morgan
By T.J. Morgan
Freelance Sports Writer
The Middle School Softball team started their season last Tuesday with a home opener against Glasgow. The Lady Hornet bats came alive early as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead after sixth grader Rory Bragg held the Lady Scotties scoreless in the top half of the first. LeeElla Boles played the part of Hoover for the Lady Hornets’ defense as she vacuumed up ground ball after ground ball to the left side of the infield.
Despite their early inning success; walks, errors, and passed balls would consume the Lady Hornets late, as the Lady Scotties would rally to a 13-3 victory.
After nearly two inches of rain Wednesday night into Thursday morning, the Lady Hornets would travel to Clinton County to take on the Bulldogs, who have wisely invested in an infield tarp.
On dry ground, the game would set up to be a pitcher’s duel, a fresh-faced sixth grader Rory Bragg for the Hornets vs an elder eighth grader Lexi Messer for the Bulldogs. With LeeElla Boles and Cam Dubree ruling the corners behind her, Rory would find success inducing ground balls, needing only 67 pitches to navigate through the game.
Unfortunately, the Hornet bats were no match for the arm of Lexi Messer. The Hornets were only able to record two hits, one from Rory and one off the bat of Cam Dubree. Lexi recorded 13 strikeouts as she blanked the Lady Hornets 4-0.
Rory Bragg preparing to take the mound for the Lady Hornets. Photo by T.J. Morgan
Despite dropping their first two games of the season, the Lady Hornets have shown moments of brilliance. While the bats were silent for most of the week, glove work was flashed by both LeeElla Boles at the hot corner and Cam Dubree at first base. The Lady Hornets will rely heavily on young Rory Bragg, as they will look for her to mature fast as she faces eighth-grade bats.
After a Saturday home game against Cumberland, the Lady Hornets will host Monroe County Tuesday and then travel to Glasgow Thursday for a rematch with the Lady Scotties.
