Lady Gladiators fall to Frost but Lewis gives Italy a chance to regain mojo
Senior catcher Paige Westbrook(10) and her Lady Gladiator teammates are ready to take on the visiting Lady Polar Bears from Frost. (Barry Byers)
Italy — Not the start to district play the Lady Gladiators were hoping for at 0-2, but at least they have their weapons back in place despite a 7-2 loss to visiting Frost. Junior pitcher Jaclynn Lewis, who was All-State in 2013, returned to the mound allowing key players Madison Washington to get refocused at shortstop full-time and Tara Wallis to settle back in at right field.
Kelsey Neslon remained at centerfield where she tracked down a fly ball against the Lady Polar Bears and Britney Chambers continued her role in left field. Ashlyn Jacinto played second-base and Bailey Eubank was reliable at first-base.
April Lusk handled the third-base duties while senior Paige Westbrook kept Lewis on target while doing work behind the plate. Despite all the players being back in their familiar positions, chemistry takes time and the Lady Gladiators needed this game just to get jelling again. Italy’s defensive played a bit unsure of themselves giving up too many unearned runs to the Lady Polar Bears. Lewis gave Italy a chance with a strong performance on mound and the Lady Gladiators were never out of it but could never quite get into the game either.
Italy did load the bases late but was unable to capitalize allowing Frost to escape with the win. With that said, Italy’s coaching staff is confident they can get back to their winning ways.