The Hopkinsville High School Lady Tigers showcased their determination and perseverance in a thrilling softball match against the University Heights Academy Blazers. They emerged victorious in extra innings with an 8-7 win at Lady Tiger Field.
The Blazers had an opportunity to secure their first win of the 2023 campaign but saw it slip away as the Lady Tigers rallied back late in the game. Despite the Blazers taking the lead in the third and sixth innings, the Lady Tigers refused to give up and made a comeback, with Bailee Ladson leading the charge.
Ladson played hero in the sixth and eighth innings with two-out RBI singles, ultimately giving the Lady Tigers the thrilling home victory. The Lady Tigers snapped their three-game losing streak with the comeback win, out-hitting the Blazers 9-7 in the eight-inning affair.
Shaniyah Straight picked up another complete-game win in the circle, striking out eight in eight innings and leading the Lady Tigers to victory. Ladson finished with two hits and three RBI, while Jakayla Grubbs and Taylor Joachim each had multi-hit performances. Daijha Owen Morand scored three runs for the Lady Tigers.
Although the Tigers and Blazers combined for 13 errors, leading to six unearned runs, both teams showed determination and played hard until the end.
The University Heights Academy Blazers put up a solid fight, with JReanna McKnight’s two-out, bases-loaded walk giving them a 4-2 lead in the third inning and Katherine Wood’s groundout bringing home Trinity Luke to take a 6-5 lead in the top of the sixth inning.
Luke and Mallory Ladd led the Blazer offense in defeat, while Wood had a solid night with two hits, a run, and an RBI. The Blazers will look to grab their first win of the season when they host Dawson Springs on Friday.
The Lady Tigers (4-7) will host Fort Campbell on Tuesday in their second of three straight home games. They previously defeated the Falcons 19-7 in 8th District action in March, with five RBI from Joachim. The Lady Tigers’ determination and perseverance will continue to fuel their pursuit of victory as they aim to finish the season on a high note.
