editorial4@thomastontimes.com

The Upson-Lee Lady Knights softball team ended their regular season with a victory Wednesday afternoon, beating the Lamar County Lady Trojans on “Senior Night”, 10-2 in five innings.

The Lady Knights controlled the game from the opening pitch.

The Lady Knights quickly jumped out to eight runs in the second inning. The Lady Knights batted around in the inning, compiling six hits in the inning.

Senior pitcher Kristen Burnette pitched a complete game, allowing only two runs on five hits.

“I thought Kristen pitched a great game,” said head coach Michael Hoffman. “She was able to pitch to contact, and allow our defense to work behind her.”

After scoring eight runs in the bottom of the second and two more in fourth, the Lady Knights cruised to their third win over Lamar County this season.

Seniors Brook English and Sara Poteat paced the Lady Knights with two hits apiece. Sophomores Sam McDaniel and Jasmine Thompson also had two hits in the victory, while scoring two runs a piece as well.

Sophomore Kayla Hendricks led the Knights in runs batted in with three, while seniors Brittany Fordham and Lauren Ward also scored a run.

Perhaps the best defensive play of the game was made by a senior also. Sadie Clark rushed in from center field to make a diving catch to end the top of the fourth inning.

“These ladies have really worked hard this year, and they have made me feel so comfortable in my transition from coaching baseball to softball. I only hope my daughters can grow up to have the attitudes that these young ladies have,” says Hoffman.

The Lady Knights will now hit the road in the region tournament. They must now travel to Lee County to face a team to be announced later. Their first games will be on Tuesday at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.