LIVE WEBCAST .
The Varsity Softball team returned home on Wednesday night as they hosted Fuquay-Varina in round 3 of the State 4A Softball Playoffs. Garner would fall behind in the first inning as Camice Patterson, the Bengal lead off hitter was hit with the pitch and later came around to score on a bases loaded walk.
Fuquay still had a run one lead as Bengal starter, Alex Ryan held Garner in check. But, Fuquay would capitalize in the third inning as Alexa Cannon singled with one out and the single was followed by a two-run home run but Natile Buddle over the left field wall and Garner was down 3-0.
But, Garner didn't stay down long as they jumped right back on the board in the bottom of the fourth, Nadia Jeffries led off the inning with a double to left field then advanced over to third on a Christie Wright ground out, and Jeffries scored on a pass ball to make it 3-1.
It would stay 3-0 going to the bottom of the 6th, that's when Garner found some offense, Kasey Hamrick led off the bottom of the sixth with a line drive double to left and after a strikeout, Nadia Jeffries beat out an infield single to put runners at first and third.
Jeffries spent little time at first as she stole second, which was her 45th stolen base of the year and tied her for first in the state. With two outs in the inning, Garner still had the runners at second and third and that's when Christie Wright helped her own cause with a line drive base hit to center to plate the two runs and tie the game at three a piece.
Each team had chances to win the game in the seventh, but neither team could get the hit they needed when they needed it and we went to extra innings, and the two teams played forever.
After walking the lead off hitter in the top of the 8th, Wright settled down to get get Garner out of the inning. The Lady Trojans couldn't muster in offense in the 8th or 9th as they went down in order in both innings.
In the 10th, things went sour for Garner as they just didn't get the breaks they needed and the ball seemed to bounce the opposite way as Fuquay put up five runs in the top of the inning to take an 8-3 lead.
The five run deficit was too much for Garner to overcome in the bottom of the 10th and the two hour 46 minute contest came to a close with Fuquay-Varina advancing to the 4th round.
Garner finishes the season with a very impressive body of work. The Lady Trojans finish the season at 23-4, and both the regular season and conference tournament champions.
Also, the Garner Trojans want to say their thanks to the two Seniors on the Softball team, Nadia Jeffries, and Christie Wright for their dedication to the program and all the heart they gave during their careers.
FUQ 8 14 0
GAR 3 7 1
Winning Pitcher: Alex Ryan - 10 Innings, 7 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 Walk, 8 Strikeouts
Losing Pitcher: Christie Wright - 9 2/3 Innings, 14 Hits, 8 Runs, 4 Walks, 1 Hit Batter, 7 Strikeouts
**The Trojan Sports Network would also like to express their appreciation to everyone who helped during the 2008-2009 school year. It was a pleasure bringing Trojan Athletics and we look forward to being back next year**
Softball Loses a Heartbreaker
