The Lady Gladiators hit a wall against Mart despite Lewis hitting one over
The Italy Lady Gladiators are ready to take on the Mart Lady Panthers in a class A bi-district showdown in Corsicana. (Barry Byers)
Corsicana — The Lady Gladiators were enjoying the energy that only a playoff atmosphere provides as they went thru their pre-game paces before taking on the Mart Lady Panthers for the class A bi-district championship in Corsicana.
Mart built a 9-4 lead but the Lady Gladiators chopped away at the deficit with Jaclynn Lewis sending one over the centerfield fence for a solo home run. Her second out-of-the-park homer this season pulled Italy within a run, 9-8, to setup a dramatic finish.
Needing to at least tie the game in the top of the seventh-inning to extend the game, Italy struck out and then grounded out when Bailey Eubank was ruled out at first-base on a controversial call. With two outs against them, Italy popped out just foul of first-base to end the contest. And just like that, the season was over…
Needless to say, this one stung. There is, however, plenty to feel good about. For starters, several of Italy’s younger players rose to the occasion during pressure situations throughout the game. Britney Chambers slap hit her way on base 3-out-4 times, Lillie Perry had powerful at bats and with the bases loaded, Kelsey Nelson recorded a double to drive in 3 runs and pinch runners Cassidy Childers and Lizzie Garcia were flawless rounding the bases. Madison Washington had a big hit and Tara Wallis hit her way on base as well. Luckily, All these players will be back next year along with Lewis, Ashlyn Jacinto, Hannah Washington, Brooke DeBorde and freshman April Lusk who gave a solid performance at third-base.
Most importantly, the Lady Gladiators never gave up and stuck together as a team. After falling behind 6-1 early, instead of looking for a place to hide in the dugout they kept taking the field and then taking their at bats and just kept giving it their all. After Lewis’ homer made the score 9-8, Perry and Paige Westbrook, Italy’s only senior on this year’s squad, both hit their way onto base. Both players ended up being stranded to end the top of the sixth-inning, but the Lady Gladiators had a chance to pull off the comeback despite trailing by 5 runs after two innings. They were that close.
Lady Gladiator fans are already looking forward to next season. Our ladies are going to be stronger physically and mentally and will have a handful of seasoned and battle tested seniors to help lead the program to a district title and a playoff berth. B E L I E V E !!!