Lady Gladiators win one and tie one against 2A Scurry-Rosser and 2A Mildred
The Italy Lady Gladiators remember the community of West, where a recent fertilizer plant explosion devastated much of the area, by wearing red ribbons decorated by Sandy Eubank who works at Italy’s Uptown Cafe, a big supporter of Italy Athletics as well as the community as a whole. The ribbons display a cross, the date of the tragedy 4-17-13 and the initials, “W.T.” for West, Texas. (Barry Byers)
Italy — The Italy Lady Gladiators remembered those affected by the recent fertilizer plant explosion in nearby West by adding red glitter to their eyeblack and by wearing red ribbons in their hair (Red being West High School’s predominant color) as Italy faced a double-header against both Scurry-Rosser and Mildred. The ribbons, decorated by Sandy Eubank, the proud mother of Italy’s sophomore second baseman Bailey Eubank, were painted with crosses, the date of the tragedy 4/17/13, and “W.T.” for West, Texas.
After avenging a pair of pre-season losses to Scurry-Rosser by defeating the Lady Wildcats 6-4 in the first game, the victorious 1A district champion Lady Gladiators enjoyed a brief break before taking on yet another high quality opponent in 2A Mildred.
Lady Gladiator manager April Lusk, who often works the game clock, commented after Italy’s win over Scurry-Rosser, “That’s the first points I have had to put on the guest side of the scoreboard in awhile.” Lusk was making reference to Italy’s dominance over the district by posting several shutout wins.
Mildred, who was also a district champion this season, threatened to run away with the game in the early going after loading the bases twice. However, the steadfastness displayed by Italy’s sophomore pitcher Jaclynn Lewis and a clutch catch by senior catcher Alyssa Richards, who hustled under a pop fly down the third base line, helped keep the duel knotted at 0-0.
As the game moved into the fifth and final inning, with both games of the double-header slated for 5-innings each, the Lady Eagles made the most of their final at bat when fielding errors by Italy opened the door for Mildred to take a 2-0 lead. A grounder fielded by junior third baseman Paige Westbrook, who rocketed a throw to senior Katie Byers at first base for an out, helped get Italy get out of the jam.
Italy’s offense countered during their last at bat sparked by Westbrook who got Italy on the board with a solo homerun. Sophomore Tara Wallis then survived a run down to reach second base and then quickly stole third. Wallis later scored to tie the game 2-2 which was the final tally of the contest.