MA wins big on Senior Day

By BARRY BURLESON
Editor

Marshall Academy recognized five seniors last week who have made big contributions to the school’s softball program.

Honored on Senior Day, when the Lady Patriots crushed Oak Hill Academy 13-1, were Hailey McMinn, Darcie Gibson, Blake Martin, Jordan Holt and Hannah Carpenter.

“Each and every one of them has had an impact on this program,” coach Carlton Gibson said. “Jordan and Hannah joined us last year and have been a big part of our team. They both played outfield and have improved greatly over the last two years.

“Blake came back to the team last year also after having sit out a couple of years. She stepped in and anchored first base for us and has done an amazing job. Her batting has really improved this year, which has been a big plus for us.

“Hailey has been with the team since sixth grade and has started every year. She has been in the outfield all of those years until this year when we needed her to come in and play third. She never missed a beat. She is a team player and is willing to help wherever the team needs her.

“Darcie has also started since the sixth grade and has played all over the field. She has been our primary pitcher since the ninth grade and she will be missed in the circle. She has stepped up this year and led the way at the plate also. Her three home runs are a team high.

“All five of these players will be hard to replace next year.”

MA 13 Oak Hill 1

The game on Tuesday, Sept. 20, ended in the fourth inning when the run rule went into effect.

Big hitters for Marshall were Gibson, who went four for four; Hannah Swallers, two for three; and Erin Lomenick, two for three.

Alexis McGreger, Sarah Jackson, McMinn, Martin and Carpenter all picked up one hit.

Gibson pitched the four-inning game, giving up two hits and one walk, and she struck out two.

Photo by Penny Lomenick
From left are Marshall Academy seniors Jordan Holt, Hailey McMinn, Blake Martin, 
Darcie Gibson and Hannah Carpenter.
 

MA 9 North Delta 8

The Lady Patriots hosted North Delta on Monday, Sept. 19, and it was not the typical seven-inning game.

“The last several years we have played North Delta toward the end of the season. Because we are very evenly matched, we use this game to get ready for the playoffs,” Coach Gibson said.

The teams played four innings straight up and then played three innings where each team would start with runners on base, just to put pressure on the defense.

“I saw a lot of things I liked in the pressure innings,” he said. “The inning where we started with bases loaded, we were in the middle of our lineup and they really stepped up.”

Holt drew a walk to push a run across, Jackson got a hit to score two, Carpenter grounded out to score a run and Lomenick got a hit.

“If we can get that kind of production from the bottom of our lineup we will have a shot to win some games in the playoffs,” Coach Gibson said. “On the flip side of the inning, when they had bases loaded and no outs, we did not allow them to score even though they were at the top of their lineup. Their first batter bunted the ball and Erin fielded the ball and stepped on home plate for the first out, then Erin threw to third for the second out and Darcie finished them off with a strikeout.

“This was very good practice for us. They have a good pitching staff and we got to see three different pitchers. We had some errors early in the game but were able to overcome them with run support.”

MA (16-7) started play in the North AA Fast-Pitch Tournament Saturday at Carroll Academy (see separate story).