Jr. Lady Devils win win conference tournament
The Unicoi County Middle School Jr. Lady Blue Devil softball team made their fans sweat in postseason play last week.
After falling to a 4-1 deficit into the bottom of the seventh inning, UCMS rallied with four runs to defeat TA Dugger, 5-4, to bring the Middle 8 Conference trophy back to Erwin on Thursday, April 23.
A thrilling finish to the season ended the Jr. Lady Blue Devils record at 19-4 on the year.
TAD brought across four unearned in the second inning and carried the lead to the sixth inning where Chloe Powers scampered across to cut the lead to three, 4-1, heading to the final frame.
Kiley Bennett later came up to bat in the seventh in a pinch hit role and laced a double up the middle, stole third and later scored on a Sydney Rogers fielders choice to start up the last inning rally, according to head coach Stephanie Linville.
Halie Hawkins later knocked a base hit to right field and scored on a Jr. Lady Cyclone error to pull within a run.
UCMS was able to knot up the contest thanks to Cassie Selvage, who was on base thanks to a walk, scored off a double by Powers. Nickolette Ferguson drew an intentional walk while Allee Griffith got on board on a fielders choice.
With runners on base and two outs, Hope Bailey roped in a line drive, bringing across Powers for the game-winner.
Powers finished 3-3 at the plate. Hawkins added a 3-4 effort.
Griffith recorded the victory in a complete game with four strikeouts.