Italy — A pair of triples from Alyssa Richards and a double accounted for 6 of Italy’s runs with 3 RBIs as well as the senior crossing home plate 3 times. Another stellar effort from sophomore pitcher Jaclynn Lewis forced Avalon to end the game early with the Lady Gladiators leading 16-0 midway of the third-inning.

Italy batted twice while Avalon batted three times. Lewis recorded a perfect game with 7 strikeouts against 9 Avalon batters in Italy’s shutout win. With Lewis’s domination on the mound, the rest of the Italy defense just stays ready to back her up. Sophomore Kelsey Nelson did just that by catching a high fly in centerfield but it was Lewis who covered a grounder hit to the mound and then threw to senior Katie Byers at first base for the out.

Paige Westbrook recorded a single and an RBI double, Lewis blasted a pair of singles as did Madison Washington with 2 singles and Byers with 2 singles and 2 RBIs. Nelson singled along with Bailey Eubank. Tara Wallis hit two singles and also reached first base on a fielder’s error. Senior Morgan Cockerham reached first base on a fielder’s choice play.

Avalon Softball is in its startup season with plans to construct a new softball field. For now, the Lady Eagles are just trying to gain some experience for their program and what better team to watch and learn from than Italy’s battle-tested Lady Gladiator veterans.

With two district games left, the Lady Gladiators will play a double-header today, Friday April 12, against Covington with game one starting at 5:30 p.m. During the break between the two games, the Lady Gladiators will honor their seniors.

On Tuesday, April 16, Italy will make a trip to DeSoto to duel with Faith Family with that game starting at 5:30 p.m. If all goes as planned, the Lady Gladiators will celebrate an undefeated district championship immediately following their game against Faith Family. You do not want to miss that!

Go Lady Gladiators!

More images of the game against Avalon