The Lady Union Spartans welcomed the Lady Midway Raiders to the softball field in the Lady Spartans last home game of the season. Union celebrated its senior night and the two ladies that will be leaving the team; Mia Bronson and Jenae Henry. The game was cut short in the fifth inning in favor the Lady Raiders, 14-3.

Midway got an early lead in the first inning. Five Lady Raiders were sent around the bases to give them a nice lead over Union. Lady Spartan, Alison Alphin hit a double that sent Shamyra Hope back to home plate, but the Lady Spartans were unable to add any more runs to their score leaving them behind, 5-1.

The Lady Raiders momentum slowed but were still able to increase their score. Leah Williams made it back to home plate from a hit by Emily Hairr and Brittany Watson was also able to made it back home for the addition of two runs. The Lady Spartans were able to get one more player back to home plate before being put back out onto the field, 7-2.

Midway’s defense prevented the Lady Spartans from scoring for the rest of the game allowing the Lady Raiders to increase their lead. In the third inning Midway was able to add two more runs, 9-2. They continued this pace in the fourth inning gaining two more runs for a 9-point lead, 11-2. The Lady Raiders then finished off the game strong in the fifth inning adding on three more runs, enough to win the game but not before the Spartans were able to get in one last player to home plate, 14-3.

The Lady Raiders were led by Karlee Martin who went 3 for 4 and had three runs. Erin Barefoot went 2 for 2 and added two runs. Blythe Best had 3 RBIs and one run. Kayley Hawley and Alyssa Wrench both had 2 RBIs. Lady Raider, Blythe Best pitched for three innings. Best allowed two hits, had two strike outs, and no earned runs. Lynzee Seats took over for Best for the last two innings. She allowed no hits and had one strikeout.

Lady Raider coach, Leigh Ann Smith, was very happy with the win but continues to see improvements her team could make. “We played a great game,” she said. “We are working on execution and taking advantage of opportunities when they come up. This is a great motivation to take into our last game of the season.”

Douglas Burley had a lot to say about his Lady Spartan team with the season coming to a close and looking toward the future. “It’s been a really fun year with the girls. We’ve just got to keep working hard. I had two seniors that I will miss a lot. Hopefully, we can come back next year strong but we have to get out this summer and play some ball. There is no waiting till next season to pick up a ball and a bat, we’ve got to start now.”

The Lady Spartans traveled to face the East Bladen Lady Eagles Friday, while the Lady Raiders hosted their last home game of the regular season against West Bladen.

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By Anna Moore

Sports Writer

Midway’s Emily Hairr connects on a pitch.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0384-1.jpegMidway’s Emily Hairr connects on a pitch.