By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Despite a strong start to the game, Atmore Christian’s softball team was unable to hold a commanding lead and gain the win over Escambia Academy last week as the Lady Rams fell, 22-12, against the Lady Cougars squad Tuesday evening (March 16).
“We did not hit like we should have,” ACS head coach Bethany Albritton said. “If we cannot hit, we cannot score.”
With the loss against EA, ACS drops to a 1-2 deficient in conference play.
Brooke Schachle got things started for the Rams during the first inning, scoring 1 run. Following Schachle’s score, ACS scored an additional 6 runs during the first inning and scored 3 more during the third. EA followed suit, scoring 2 runs during the first inning, 1 during the second and tied things up at 10 each by adding 7 runs during the third. After tying the contest, the Cougars ran away with the win after scoring 6 additional runs during the fourth and fifth innings.
ACS’s Anna Weaver led in runs batted in (RBI) with 3 and scored 1 run, Elizabeth Terry scored 2 runs on 2 hits, Megan Wilson scored 1, Temple Albritton scored 1 run off one hit, Lexi Strength scored 1, Mia Morris scored 2 and Jordan Overton and Tori Strength scored 1 run each.
EA racked up 26 total hits during the game with multiple hits coming from Mackenzie Watson, Jamison Janes, Kayleigh Jay, Abby Kate Helton, Lea Odom Gabbie Williams and Julie Conway. Janes led the Cougars with 5 hits in 5 at bats while Odom led in stolen bases with 2. EA stole base 13 times during the game. Janes gained the win on the mound for EA with 6 strikeouts and allowed 8 hits and 12 runs over 5 innings.
Albritton registered the loss for the Rams, allowing 26 hits and 22 runs while striking out 4. Despite the loss, ACS did not commit a single error in the field.
“We started off very strong both offensively and defensively,” ACS assistant coach Kevin Bell said. “We just lost focus and got ourselves in a deep hole. As a team, we have to get better at communicating and making routine plays.”
The Rams hope to report a win as they host Aletheia this Thursday, March 25, at 4:30 p.m.