The Long County High School softball team defeated Liberty County 3-0 on Tuesday in Ludowici.
The game was tied going into the sixth inning. However, Lady Tide player Kelly Long got on first after an error by the Panthers. Kelby Manning then cracked a single, advancing Long to second. Tide pitcher Kayla Mills came to the plate and crushed a ball over the center fielder’s head, sending both Long and Manning home. Kimber Sapp nailed a single, bringing home Mills and giving the Lady Tide the lead, and eventually the final score."Kayla Mills pitched a great game, only giving up four hits and two walks while she struck out six," head coach Jennifer Alfirov said. "I’m proud of the whole team."
The win ended the Lady Panther’s three-game winning streak and gave the Lady Tide back-to-back wins.
Before the start of the Liberty game, the Lady Blue Tide honored seniors Kelly Long, Linda Stephens and Skylar Ogden.
Alfirov commented on Kelby Manning’s performance in the Tide’s game on Monday.
"I’d like to apologize to Kelby Manning for not giving her credit that was due to her from the St. Vincent’s game. She was 4-4, one hit being a crushing double that scored a run and she had two RBIs," Alfirov said.
Long County beat St. Vincent’s 8-0, with Mills pitching her first no-hitter in high school.
With the Lady Tide’s win on Tuesday, their overall record improved to 4-8, while the Panthers fell to 6-7.
Yesterday, Liberty County took on Richmond Hill on the road and will battle the Yellow Jackets of Wayne County this Wednesday at home.
Long County played its final regular season game yesterday in Reidsville against the Tattnall County Lady Warriors. Results for Thursday’s games were not available at press time.