ECJV overcome early deficits to achieve doubleheadr sweep

All photos courtesy of Paula Stubbs

Sophia Vaccariello gets a congratulations from head coach Kyle Bowman as she rounds third after hitting a grand slam in the top of the second inning of game two that gave the Lady Indians a lead.

 
CARROLLTON-The junior varsity doubleheader played Monday between the East Coweta Lady Indians and the Central (Carrollton) Lady Lions had similar starts.

The Lady Lions were spotted 4-0 leads before the Lady Indians rallied to win game one 8-6 and gain the sweep after a 14-8 win in the nightcap.

The Lady Lions opened the game by scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning and took the 4-0 lead into the top of the third inning.

The top of the third began with Maddie Linden reaching on a line drive single to left field and Sydney Stubbs reaching on a bunt.

Both runners advanced when Payton Wilson grounded out and after winning pitcher McKenna Holmes reached on a walk that loaded the bases.

Hayden Chaffin battles the screen on the Lady
Lions dugout to catch a foul pop in game one

Sophia Vaccariello reached on an infield error that allowed EC to get on the board as Lindon crossed home plate and a bases loaded walk to Hayden Chaffin scored Stubbs from third to cut the deficit to 4-2.

After a force play, Vaccariello came home as a throw from the infield was late and Chaffin came home with the tying run due to confusion in the Central infield.

The Lady Lions scored twice in the bottom of the fourth inning to reclaim the lead but the 6-4 advantage was short lived as the Lady Indians scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning.

Stubbs opened the frame with a walk and Wilson followed with a line drive single to left field.

Holmes advanced both runners on a sacrifice bunt and Vaccariello

McKenna Holmes is in position to catch the popup
that ended game one of the doubleheader.

followed with a double to right field that scored Stubbs while Wilson took third.

The Lady Indians tied the game at 6-6 when Chaffin singled to center to bring Wilson home while Vaccariello advanced to third.

A groundout by Addy Howell gave EC a 7-6 lead and Callie Flury's second RBI of the game provided them with an insurance run as her single to right center field brought Chaffin plateward.

Holmes retired the first two batters in the bottom of the inning, but the Lady Lions tried to rally as a single and a walk put the tying run on base.

However, Holmes induced a popup and the game came to an end.

Holmes allowed five hits in the win and recorded seven strikeouts.

Kayden Ulrich pitched a complete
game in the second contest of the 
doubkeheader.

Game two had the same scenario as the opener with Central taking a 4-0 after the first inning, the similarities ended there as EC made two-out magic account for a eight-run second inning.

In between two strikeouts, Izzy Kelleher and Lindon reached on walks while Kylee Rozier reached on an infield error to load the bases.

An infield error scored Kelleher for the first run of the frame and Wilson followed with an RBI single that cut the margin to 4-2.

Flury reached on a walk that scored Lindon and the deficit was 4-3 and brought Vaccariello to the plate.

Vaccariello gave EC a 7-4 lead as she drilled a 1-1 offering over the left field fence for a grand slam that gave her team the lead that never was relinquished.

Howell followed the grand slam with an infield single and scored on a double by Summer Wilson to complete the frame.

The Lady Lions scored a run in the bottom of the second inning to cut the score to 8-5, but the Lady Indians answered with two runs in the top of the third to take a 10-5 lead.

Lindon lined a single to center field to open the frame and scored on a two out double by Keyleigh Gardner who later scored on a single by Payton Wilson.

The Lady Lions came back with a run in the bottom of the third and two in the fourth, but the Lady Indians answered in the top of the fifth with four runs for the final margin.

Rozier and Catherine Maxwell reached on singles while Gardner was hit by a pitch to load the bases.

A bases loaded walk to Flury scored Rozier while Maxwell came home on a wild pitch while singles by Vaccariello and Howell had RBI singles to end the scoring.

Vaccariello was 3-for-7 in the doubleheader, scoring three runs and seven RBIs.

Howell was 2-for-4 in game two with an RBI while Gardner reached base three times and had the hatrick in runs scored for the game.

Kayden Ulrich overcame the struggles of the first inning to thwart any subsequent rallies by the Lady Lions and gain a complete game win.

The Lady Indians are now 14-0-1 on the season and will have a doubleheader rematch next Monday in Sharpsburg.

      

Lady Indians dominate in three game sweep at Lady Braves JV Tournament

 

Productive day for McKenna Holmes who tossed a shutout in
a game against Harris County while recording two hits and two
RBIs as well as two runs against Heard County. Photo by Paula Stubbs

FRANKLIN-Saturday went from picking up where the varsity football team left off to stopping a rally Saturday as the East Coweta Lady Indians won three games in the Heard County JV Tournament.

The Lady Indians had their way with the host Heard County Lady Braves in a 17-0 decision and defeated the Harris County Lady Tigers 6-0 before slowing down the Villa Rica Lady Wildcats by an 8-7 decision.

The sweep improved the Lady Indians' mark to 10-0-1 as the enter games against McIntosh, Campbell and Jackson this week.

In the win over Heard County, EC took the early lead in the top of the first inning as Payton Wilson singled, stole second and after Hayden Chaffin singled, McKenna Holmes hit a two-run, two-out single to center field 

Sophia Vaccariello followed with a single to right center field that scored Summer Wilson and Holmes that gave  the Lady Indians a 4-0 lead.

Benefitting from the early run support was Camryn Horton who retired the Lady Braves in order in the bottom of the first and stranded two base runners in the bottom of the second.

Horton recorded three strikeout in the two inning stint.

The Lady Indians blew the game open in the top of the second inning as 19 batters went to the plate and scored 13 runs.

Callie Flury led off with a single, Sydney Stubbs walked and Payton Wilson followed with a line drive single that loaded the bases.

Avery Batten blooped a two-run single to center field and Chaffin followed with an RBI single to give the Lady Indians a 7-0 lead.

singles by Holmes and Addy Howell loaded the bases for Vaccariello who had her second two-run single of the game.

Hailee Vance blooped an RBI single to left center and Flury had an RBI groundout that led the first out of the inning and another EC run.

With two outs, Payton Wilson had an RBI single followed by a two-run single by Kylee Rozier and an RBI single by Izzy Kelleher.

Maddie Lindon, Catherine Maxwell and Keyleigh Gardner also contributed to the slugfest with RBI singles before the frame finally came to an end.

The game was called after two innings under a time limit.

In the second game, the Lady Indians took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning as Holmes and Chaffin reached on one out walks while Howell followed with a double that scored Vance.

Chaffin eventually scored on an infield error on Harris County.

The Lady Indians added to the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning on RBIs by Vance, Vaccariello and Chaffin .

Holmes was the benefactor of the support with a solid five innings allowing one hit on a weekend where she celebrated her 15th birthday.

Keyleigh Gardner slides into second base in the game against
Villa Rica. Photo by Paula Stubbs. 

In the final game, the Lady Indians took the lead in the top of the first as Vaccariello scored on a sacrifice fly by Howell and Chaffin scored on a single by Izzy Kelleher.

The Lady Wildcats tied the game in the bottom of the frame but the Lady Indians regained the lead in the top of the second on an RBI single by Payton Wilson and an RBI groundout by Vaccariello.

Villa Rica scored a run in the bottom of the third, but EC responded with three runs in the top of the fifth inning on an RBI single by Kelleher and a two-run double by Kylee Rozier.

The Lady Wildcats rallied in the bottom of the sixth with four runs but it was not enough as the time limit was reached.

Kelleher had two hits and two RBIs while Maxwell also had two hits in the game.

Kayden Ulrich pitched the first three innings with three strikeouts while Holmes finished with four strikeouts in the final two.

Deloachs celebrate wedding anniversary at EC-Newnan softball game.

 

Catherine and Frank Deloach celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Wednesday night
at the softball game between East Coweta and Newnan. They are shown with members of the
East Coweta team. The couple also threw out the first pitch of the game won by EC 1-0.
Photo by Paula Stubbs.

SHARPSBURG-A number of events occurred on August 23 in various parts of the world.

In 1814, first lady Dolley Madison saved a portrait in the White House during the war of 1812 with the British while first daughter Margaret Truman sang in public for the first time in 1947.

The first Little League World Series champion was crowned in 1947 while Pete Rose was banned from major league baseball amidst gambling charges.

The Beatles hoped to own August 23, 1963 by themselves as their hit song "She Loves You" was released in the United Kingdom while drummer Ringo Starr was alleged to have admitted writing "Don't Pass Me By.

Frank Deloach looks to throw a strike to
East Coweta catcher Madysen Weathers
as his wife Catherine and EC pitcher Jada savage 
look on. Photo by Paula Stubbs.

However, an event in the southeastern portion of the state of Georgia overshadowed the day for the Fab Four.

Wednesday night at the softball game between East Coweta and Newnan, the 60th wedding anniversary for Frank and Catherine Deloach was celebrated in front a large group.

Prior to the start of the game, the Deloachs were escorted to the pitching circle where Frank, who has spent a number of past anniversary with his bride at a game, tossed the ceremonial first pitch to Lady Indians catcher Madysen Weathers.

Ironically, Weathers became a bigger part of the celebration as she hit a home run to give the Lady Indians a 1-0 victory over their cross count rival.

Weathers home run leads to EC win during a pitching battle

Madysen Weathers has a crowd awaiting her at home plate after her home run in the bottom of the sixth inning of Wednesday's game. Weathers has hit a home run in four of her last five games. Photo by Paula Stubbs.

SHARPSBURG-The rivalry game Wednesday between the East Coweta Lady Indians and Newnan Lady Cougars offered a little of everything for fans of the two schools.
The night opened with Frank and Catherine Deloach, parents of EC head coach Franklin Deloach, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at the ballpark and threw the first pitch of the game.

Newnan's Maddie Veal looks in for a sign en route 
to recording her 500th career strikeout Wednesday.
Photo by Stuart Crosby.

Newnan's Maddie Veal recorded her 500th career strikeout as the Lady Cougars ace while allowing five hits to the Lady Indians.

However, the big moment came in the bottom of the sixth inning when Madysen Weathers drilled a 1-1 offering over the left field fence for the game's only run in a 1-0 victory.

The win improved the EC record to 8-1 on the season while Newnan suffered their first loss of the season after winning their first seven.

The Lady Cougars threatened to take the lead in the top of the first inning as Addie Smith reached on a one out walk and Veal followed with a single to left field.

Jada Savage had a three hit,
strikeout performance Wednesday night.
Photo by Paula Stubbs.

However, winning pitcher Jada Savage was able to get out of the frame unscathed when Gabi Espy grounded into a double play.

Savage retired the next six in order before surrendering a walk to Smith who was stranded at second in the top of the fourth as the next three were retired.

The Lady Indians threated need to get on the board in the second inning when Payton Roberson reached on a leadoff single and in the bottom of the fourth with her second single of the game.

However, Veal was able to leave her stranded on both occasions.

Roberson was 2-for-3 at the plate for the Lady Indians.

After retiring the next five batters, Weathers came to the plate with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning hit a pitch that quickly left the field.

The shot was the fourth game in the last five games in which Weathers has hit a home run as she continues her strong comeback effort after missing last season.

The Lady Cougars threatened to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning as Espy reached on a leadoff single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Gracie Smith.

However, Savage lived up to her last name as she retired the next two batters by strikeout to end the game.

Savage dominated the Lady Cougars in allowing three hits and allowing two walks while recording 11 strikeouts.

Weathers, Madison Duffel and Addie Joiner each finished with 1-for-3 outings in the game for EC while Addie Smith reached twice for Newnan.   

ECJV breaks open close game in win over Newnan JV

 

McKenna Holmes shows her hitting prowess with 
a pair of hits while pitching a three hitter in
the 8-0 win. Photo by Paula Stubbs.

SHARPSBURG-The junior varsity version the East Coweta Lady Indians broke open a close game Wednesday with a four run fifth inning to defeat the Newnan Lady Cougars 8-0.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the second inning aas Addy Howell reached on an infield error and scored on a double to center field by winning pitcher McKenna Holmes.

After a pair of walks, courtesy runner Kayden Ulrich scored from third with the second run of the frame when Sydney Stubbs grounded out to first base.

The Lady Indians added to the lead in the bottom of the fourth as Howell and Holmes reached on one out singles before Izzy Kelleher hit a sacrifice fly that was mishandled that allowed Howell and courtesy runner Ulrich to score.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Lady Indians pulled away as Payton Wilson led off with a double and moved to third on a wild pitch before a sacrifice fly by Gaby Gopie was mishandled.

Avery Batten reached on a walk and Hayden Chaffin reached on a double that allowed Gopie to score.

Batten eventually scored from third when Howell grounded out and Chaffin accounted for the final run of the game on a wild pitch.

Benefitting from the run support was Holmes who allowed two hits and recorded three strikeouts 

The Lady Indians, who improved to 7-0-1, will play three games in Franklin on Saturday as they participate in the Heard County JV Tournament.

Lady Indians handle Lady Lions in a quick manner

 

Payton Roberson had four RBIs and scored twice
in the win over Westlake. Photo by Paula Stubbs.

SHARPSBURG-The East Coweta Lady Indians found a number of ways to score Tuesday night as they defeated the Westlake Lady Lions in the Region 2-AAAAAAA opener for both squads.

The victory will allow EC to take an 8-1 record into the Wednesday matchup against cross county rival Newnan at home.

The Lady Indians did most of their damage in the bottom of the first inning as Madison Duffel led off with a double, Addie Joiner reached on a walk and Madysen Weathers followed with a three run home run over the left field fence.

Payton Roberson walked and stole second before Lizzy Austin reached for Jenna Helmly who hammered a double to left field that brought the duo plateward.

After the second out of the frame was recorded, starting pitcher Maggie Stubbs reached on a walk and Addy Howell followed with a triple to left field.

After a pair of walks loaded the bases, Roberson lined a triple to left center field and the lead was 11-0.

The Lady Indians added to the lead in the bottom of the second inning as Howell reached on a one out walk and McKenna Holmes followed with a single.

Horton walked to load the bases  and Roberson recorded her fourth RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly to center field.

Gabi Gopie, Austin and Helmly followed with walks to account for a 14-0 lead and the scoring concluded with a single by Rylee Gordy.

The benefactor of the lead was Stubbs who retired all nine batters in the game with five by strikeout.  

 

Duffel, Weathers lead EC hitting barrage in GDC tourney

Maddie Weathers hit  a two-run home run
in East Coweta's 14-1 winover Stockbridge.
Weathers also had two RBIs in the 7-5 win
 over Tattnall Square. Photo by Paula Stubbs.

SHARPSBURG-The East Coweta Lady Indians continued their hot start Friday night in a pair of wins in the Georgia Dugout Club Tournament.
In game one, the Lady Indians withstood a late rally to comeaway with a 7-5 six inning win over the Tattnall Square Trojans while an 11-run second inning led to a 14-1 win over the Stockbridge Lady Tigers.
The victories improved the EC record to 6-0 as they travel to Woodstock for games against Gordon Lee and Cherokee.
The Lady Indians scored the first run of the contest in the bottom of the second inning when Jada Savage lined a single to left field and an RBI groundout by Sophia Santiago.
In the bottom of the third inning, EC added five more as Madison Duffel led off with a double and scored on a one out double by Addie Joiner.
Maddie Weathers followed with an RBI single before an RBI double Payton Roberson and an RBI triple by Santiago gave the Lady Indians a 6-0 lead.
The Lady Trojans got on the board with a home run in the top of the fourth inning but the Indians came back with a run in the bottomof the frame.
Another Duffel double was followed by a fielder's choice by Weathers and the lead was 7-1.
Duffel was 2-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored while Weathers was 1-for-3 with an two RBIs.
The Lady Trojans rallied with a run in the top of the fifth and a pair in the sixth but the Lady Indians were able to end the threat.
Savage pitched a complete game for the win allowing five hits and recording three strikeouts.
In game two, the Lady Tigers scored a run in the top of the first on a home run, but the  Lady Indians came back with a pair in the bottom of the frame to take the  lead.
Duffel led off with a walk, stole second and scored on an error in the outfield that allowed Weathers to reach and eventually score on a single by Savage.
The Lady Indians broke the game open in the bottom of the second inning as a double by Riley Ratzlaff, a walk to Santiago and a single by Kate Miller led to three runs.
Singles by Duffel and Lumpkins were followed by a double from Joiner and a two-run home run by Weathers and the lead was 9-1.
Four more runs came home in the frame and the final run came in the bottom of the third as Weathers scored on two out double by Ratzlaff.
Maggie Stubbs and Camryn Hrton combined to pitch a two-hitter in the game with eight strikeouts.