by Rusty Ellis
The Macon County Tigerettes got a terrific start from Ellie Coley in the circle, as they defeated the White County Warriorettes 3-1 on Tuesday night to advance in the District 7/AAA Tournament.
Taylor Roberts got the scoring started for White County in the first, as her RBI double gave Sparta an early 1-0 lead.
The lead didn’t last long however, as a bunt brought home the tying run for Macon County in the bottom of the first inning. Then in the second, Macon took the lead with two runs on an error and it was all the run-support Coley needed to bring home the win.
Sparta created a couple chances in the later innings, as a leadoff bunt by Ryleigh Burchett seemed to provide a spark to start the frame, but Coley quickly set down the side to keep the lead.
Macon had an opportunity in the bottom of the fifth inning to blow the game open, as they loaded the bases with nobody out against Savannah Barr.
Barr didn’t give in however, as a double-play got the Warriorettes out of the inning with no harm done.
Ultimately, Coley just proved to be too much for Sparta, as Macon County won 3-1 and moved within a game of the district championship.
For head coach Jenna Russell, this game was all about making the simple plays and letting Ellie Coley “do her thing” in the circle.
“We knew it was going to be a close game, everybody always brings their best to the district tournament,” Russell said. “We scored on some bunts, which I was pleased with, and Ellie Coley was fantastic.”
The game didn’t start until a little after 9 P.M., a start time that very few softball teams are prepared for. As far as what made the weird start time easier, Russell points out this is one of the reason’s they wanted to earn the right to host the tournament.
“They know the field, which is huge,” Russell said. “They get to keep their routines as well. They like being able to warm up in the complex and being in their own dugout, so it helps out a lot.”
When asked what she wanted to see carried over from this game to Wednesday, Russell kept it very simple.
“Win,” Russell said. “Get the bats going, make the routine plays and we’ve got Ellie Coley pitching.”
Macon will battle Upperman at 6 P.M. on Wednesday.
