It’s been a tough rebuilding season for the Liberty County High School softball team, but the squad honored their seven seniors Wednesday afternoon with a 6-3 win over visiting rival Long County.
“It is always good to finish the season on a winning note,” Lady Panthers coach Jerome Standard said.
Before the game, the team bid a fond farewell to Diamone Johnson, Jasmina Smith, Tiara Howard, Morgan Crowley, Taylor Anderson, Brittney Desbiens and Kaylee Holliday. The girls were presented with flowers and parting gifts from team statistician Paula Crowley.
The senior girls wiped their tears and went to battle.
Then, a junior created a lasting memory for the seniors’ final game when Lori Harden nailed a hit that missed being a grand slam by a few feet. She wound up earning a double and driving in three runs to help the Panthers’ offense break open the game for the win.
Leading Long County was Taylor Poole, who was  2 for 4 and scored a run. Taylor Holton was 1 for 2 with a walk and an RBI, and Taylor Harrison 1 for 4 with an RBI.
“This was a tough game for us,” Long County coach Brian Thomas said. “I thought that we would be a bit better offensively, but we played good defense and that gave us a chance in the end.” 

Liberty stats

Diamone Johnson-2 singles

Morgan Crowley-single

Tori Anthony - single

Brittany Desbiens-single

Lori Harden-2 doubles, single, 3 RBIs

Taylor Anderson-single

Jasmina Smith-double, 2 RBIs

Kailey Holliday-double, RBI

Gabby Anthony-single

Lori Harden-winning pitcher

3 hits, 2 Ks, 7 walks, 103 pitches, 68 strikes, 62 balls

In other softball news, Bradwell Institute  lost at Islands High School, 5-4, on Tuesday night.
According to Lady Tigers coach Sharyl Eastlake, her team managed only three hits — from Karson Rogers, Marissa Polston and Kasey Smith.
Eastlake said Shae Smith made two outstanding throws from deep center field to throw out two Island runners attempting to score.
The coach said Kasey Smith did well at blocking home plate and Barbara Rego was outstanding at shortstop.
The Lady Tigers played at Groves on Thursday. Bradwell will play a doubleheader against Johnson High on Saturday in Savannah to close out the regular season.
The final three games will determine if the Lady Tigers clinch third in Region 3-AAAAA.
“We have to win,” Eastlake said.