By: Elizabeth Ruckel

The Highland Home softball team hosted an area game against the Brantley Bulldogs Tuesday afternoon, and came up short, 8-0.

Even though HHS lost, they had much improvement from the first time they played BHS earlier in the season.

“We were defensively sound with only one error, which is an improvement from the last time we played them,” said Head Coach Cassie Smith.

“We had many errors the first time around, but this time was much better. Even though we lost, I could see a huge improvement throughout the team.”

Senior Katelyn Sport and sophomore Cheyenne Commander got on base by a hit pitch.

Freshman Tarriana Sankey’s record at the plate was one for two, with the hit being a single pop fly landing behind third base. The other turn at bat resulted in a strikeout.

Highland Home held the Bulldogs 1-0 until the sixth inning, when Brantley’s bats started up.

“Even though we only had two people get a hit in play, we were a lot more aggressive at the plate,” said Smith.

Eighth grader Jeci Taylor put the ball in play, but was caught by Brantley senior center fielder, Alex Wilcox.

Starting pitcher, sophomore Gracie Whiddon had three strikeouts, three earned runs and ten hits.

Senior team leader, Katelyn Sport says the Squadron has made improvement.

“Softball is 99 percent mental and one percent skill,” she said. “We had a mind set that Brantley was going to beat us before we even stepped on the field the first time around. The second time around we came out and played our game, and the turnout was much better.”

The Squadron will host a game against the Zion Chapel Rebels Monday, April 3. It is not an area competition game.