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Lady Lions sweep Southeastern in doubleheader

Lead Summary
By
The Highland County Press-
     LEESBURG - The Fairfield Lady Lions swept a Saturday non-league  doubleheader over the  Southeastern Lady Panthers with two one-run victories on a cold and windy afternoon at Fairfield High School.
     FHS pitcher Lauren Larrick picked up win No. 12 on the season in game one. Larrick scattered seven hits and limited the Lady Panthers to just two runs (one earned run), while striking out 11 batters en route to the 3-2 win.
     Heather Huff stepped in to pitch the second game Saturday for the Lady Lions (13-7, 10-3 SHL) and picked up a win in her first varsity appearance in the circle. Huff was a last minute replacement for Tiffany Woods who was unable to pitch due to illness.
     The Lady Lions' defense came up big in game two committing only one defensive error and turning three double plays.
     "Our lineup for game two featured five freshman who have seen limited playing time this season, but they worked extremely hard in practice everyday," FHS assistant coach Tom Purtell said.  
     The Lady Lion offense picked up timely hits when they needed them as they posted a  9-8 victory in the second game of the doubleheader.
     In game one, the Lady Lions scored one run in the bottom of the second inning to break a scoreless tie. Whitney Hanenkrat led off the inning with a double to the fence in left-centerfield. Hanenkrat advanced to third base on a wild pitch, and scored one out later on a sacrifice bunt by senior Gabby Boone.
     The Lady Panthers (4-19, 3-11 SVC) tied the score at one with an unearned run in the top of the fourth inning.  
     FHS rebounded by scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.          With one out, Jade Shelton laced a single to left field. With two outs, Kylie Bates and Huff drew walks to load the bases. Danielle Butler drew a bases loaded walk to score Shelton. Bates scored on a wild pitch.
     "Lauren and the defense then made the plays they had to make to win in the last three innings," Purtell said.
     The Lady Panthers added another run in the top of the seventh inning on back-to-back doubles by Weese and Willard.  
     Leading hitters for the Lady Lions included: Hanenkrat (1-for-3, double, one run) and Shelton (1-for-2, one run).       
     Prior to the start of game two the Fairfield Lady Lions honored their only senior Gabby Boone.  
     "Gabby has been a four year varsity player and a fixture at first base the last three seasons," Purtell said. "She is a leader on and off the field and a valued member of the Lady Lion softball program."    
     The Lady Panthers scored four runs in the top of the first inning to take an early lead, but the Lady Lions tied the score 4-4, with four runs in its half of the first.
     Southeastern added one run in the top of the second inning to regain the lead.  
     The Lady Lions took the lead at 7-5 with three runs in the bottom of the third inning.
     SE scored two runs in the top of the fourth inning to tie the score at seven.  
     But, again, the Lady Lions rebounded, scoring two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning taking take a 9-7 lead. The Lady Panthers scored one run in the top of the fifth inning to close the lead to one run at 9-8.
     Huff and the Lady Lions shutout SE the final two innings, turning two double plays in the process.
     Leading hitters for the Lady Lions:  Abby Thackston (3-for-4, three RBI), Huff (2-for-4, two runs), and Taylor Butler (1-for-2, one run, one RBI).
     Huff (1-0) picked up the win for the Lady Lions. Huff went seven innings, allowing nine hits, eight runs (seven earned) and 11 walks. Huff struuck out three.
     The Lady Lions will play the Eastern Brown Lady Warriors in a non-league game on Monday at Eastern High School at 5 p.m.
     The next home game for Fairfield will be Wednesday as they are scheduled to host the Glenwood New Boston Lady Tigers in a Southeast District Division IV Sectional Semifinal game at 5 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]

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