Last night the Lady Gladiator Softball team hosted the Covington Lady Owls in Italy’s first district softball game of the season. Our Ladies made short work of the game winning by run-rule in the 5th inning. The Lady Gladiators seemed to be “Focused on the Playoffs.”

Defensively, the Lady Gladiators were led in the pitching circle by Courtney Westbrook. Allowing only one hit, Courtney rang up 5 strike-outs in this contest. Behind the plate, Bailey Bumpus had her first start as catcher. Courtney and Bailey worked very well together and shows promise for the future of the team. Shortstop, Meredith Brummett and second baseman, Cori Jeffords both racked up the fielding assists with first baseman, Drew Windham playing a very solid first base.

Offensively, Italy was led in averages by Drew Windham (.667), Cori Jeffords (.500) and Megan Richards (.333). Abby Griffith and Westbrook were very smart at the plate. Each contributing offensively by getting on base during each of their at-bats with walks. Westbrook scored each of the four times she was on base.

But the sweeeet at-bat of the game was by Megan Richards in the bottom of the 5th inning. Just about the time that Megan came up to bat the Hubbard Lady Jaguar softball team could be seen entering the bleachers on the visiting side. Hubbard had just finished playing Avalon (winning 15-0) and had stopped by Italy to do a little scouting. Megan took a couple of balls then fouled one off but took that fourth pitch to the centerfield wall! Megan gave those Lady Jaguars a glimpse of what they will have to deal with when the Lady Gladiators pair up with them a week from Friday. Megan’s hit, a double, scored the final two runs giving Italy the win by run-rule (11-1).

Game over!