Eaglettes make history, reach third round
The Canton Eaglette softball program had history in its sights last week, needing a series win over the Gilmer Lady Buckeyes to clinch a first-ever Regional Quarterfinal berth. Despite a stiff challenge Canton would complete its mission, scoring a pair of thrilling victories to keep their postseason journey alive.
Canton would show plenty of fight in game one of the series, rallying back from a 5-2 deficit in the bottom of the seventh to score a 6-5 walk-off win May 6. Plumb He
Jaycee Bullard got the starting nod in the contest, allowing five hits and two earned runs over 6 2/3 innings of work. Grace Thompson came on to pick up the win, allowing a hit and two earned runs in 1/3 innings.
Offensively, Payton Bray went 2/3 with two runs scored, Chelsea Chitty went 2/4 with a double and Katrina Morphis went 2/4 with a run scored.
Other offensive standouts included Maddie Wilson going 1/2 with a double and 2 RBI, Kara Pride going 1/4 with an RBI and a run scored and Amrie Clower going 1/4 with an RBI and a run scored.
The Eaglettes completed the sweep of ro Gilmer the following night, outdueling the Lady Buckeyes 1-0 in a nine-inning contest.
Jaycee Bullard was spectacular on the mound for the Eaglettes, allowing just four hits while striking out six in a complete game effort.
Kara Pride went 3/5 with the game-winning RBI, Payton Bray went 2/4, Jacey Pride went 2/4, Maddie Wilson went 1/4 with a run scored, Katrina Morphis went 1/2, Amrie Clower went 1/3 with a double and Raeleigh Strickland went 1/4.
Canton was scheduled to take on District 16-4A champions Bullard in Regional Quarterfinal action this week. The Lady Panthers rolled past Pittsburg in bi-district round action 11-1, 4-0 and Brownsboro 13-1, 14-0 in Area round play.
Game one between the Eaglettes and Lady Panthers is scheduled to be played today beginning at 6 p.m. May 12 in Grand Saline. Game two is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start time May 13 in Whitehouse. Game three, if necessary, will be played back in Grand Saline beginning at 11 a.m. May 14.
The winner of the Canton-Bullard series will take on either Celina or Aubrey in the Regional Semifinals.