Italy — The Lady Gladiators had high hopes leading up to their first home game against the Lady Panthers of Maypearl. With the outfield fitted with Italy flags waving in the evening breeze and 4′ × 4′ personalized softball signs displaying the names and numbers of the varsity players hanging on the outfield wall, an enthusiastic energy flowed throughout the team and the fans.

Accomplishment banners displaying the team’s most successful seasons and a new Lady Gladiator All-State banner were also attached to the outfield wall with the following All-State players being recognized:

• JoAnn Jones, 2000
• Courtnie Threadgill, 2002
• Kaitlin Morrison, 2001, 2004
• Sarah DeMoss, 2006
• Megan Richards, 2010, 2012
• Alyssa Richards, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
• Jaclynn Lewis, 2013

Lewis, and junior and an all-state pitcher in 2013, played shortstop against Maypearl. Junior Madison Washington was on the mound for Italy while senior Paige Westbrook played catcher. Bailey Eubank played first-base, Tara Wallis was at second-base before closing the game out from the mound, Hannah Washington covered third-base and Britney Chambers, Lillie Perry, Cassidy Childers and Kelsey Nelson patrolled the outfield.

After the game was tied 3-3 early, Maypearl hit their groove and then hit one ball after another as they pelted Italy’s defense throughout. The Lady Gladiators’ offensive attack struggled after the first couple of innings and could never put together an extended rally. Sensing a let down by the Lady Gladiators, Maypearl kept the pressure on and blasted their way to a 20-3 win.

Certainly not the way Italy had envisioned the game going but the Lady Gladiators received plenty of support from their fans who know the best is yet to come for the girls in gold.

The Lady Gladiators will attempt to regroup on Tuesday, March 18, during an away game against Itasca starting at 4:30 p.m.

Go Lady Gladiators!