The Fannin County Lady Rebels softball team traveled down Highway 515 Thursday, August 5, to take on the Gilmer County Lady Cats for a preseason matchup.
The Lady Rebels fell behind early but shook off the off-season fatigue late in the game to score six runs. The offensive rally was not enough for the Lady Rebels, however, as they fell to Gilmer County 16-6.
Natalie Herendon started in the pitcher’s circle for Fannin, pitching two and third innings and striking out four batters. Jayden Bailey came on in relief and threw three and two-thirds innings.
On the offensive side of the ball, Callie Ensley had a great day at the plate, notching three hits in as many attempts. Aaleyah Rogers also got a hit in the game.
Gilmer jumped out to an early four-run lead in the bottom of the first inning after holding the Lady Rebels scoreless in the top of the inning.
The Lady Rebels stopped the bleeding and got off the field to end the first inning, and neither team crossed home plate in the second inning, as center fielder Jaylen Green made two big plays, and Herendon caught a ground out to get the Lady Rebels off the field quickly.
The Lady Rebels were unable to generate any runs in the top of the third, fourth, and fifth innings, while Gilmer was able to tally nine runs in the bottom of the inning, two runs in the fourth, and one run in the fifth for a 16-0 lead.
Fannin County buckled down in the top of the sixth, as Ensley, Green, Rogers, and Kharcee Hughes scored to cut into the Gilmer County lead.
Fannin held the Lady Cats scoreless in the bottom of the sixth, while Zoe Putnam and Ensley crossed home plate in the top of the seventh.
Gilmer was able to get three outs in the top of the seventh to end the Lady Rebel rally as they fell to the Lady Cats 16-6.
Fannin will start the 2021 season at 5 p.m. Thursday, August 12, when they host the Towns County Lady Indians.