After losing seven seniors from last year’s squad, the 2013 Bradwell Institute softball team is rebuilding with some talented young players.
The 15th annual Battle in the ’Boro softball tournament Aug. 23-24 in Statesboro provided challenges and opportunities to gain experience before starting region play. Teams from Atlanta to Waycross participated in the tourney field
In its opener, Bradwell lost, 13-0, to the Wayne County Yellow Jackets, who were fourth in the state playoffs last year and are ranked No. 1 in the region.
 “I thought we played well against a very formidable team,” Bradwell coach Sheryl Eastlake said.
Sophomore Mackenzie Stewart pitched for Bradwell.
In their second game of the evening, the Lady Tigers fell, 13-1, to a strong Savannah Christian team in a game with weather delays. While the defense showed improvement, the offense struggled with production.
Bradwell’s faced Dublin on Saturday in its third game and fell, 10-2, hurt by errors on defense and a lack of hitting. Mackenzie Stewart and Casey Smith pitched for Bradwell.
The Lady Tigers’ fourth and final tourney game resulted in a 16-9 loss to  Treutlen County. Bradwell did stage a rally in the sixth inning, scoring six runs. Despite the loss, Bradwell began to settle down with the offense and showed improvement on defense.
Next game for the Lady Tigers is Thursday against the Ware County Gators in Ware County.