BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS

NORTH JACKSON CLAIMS 2023 JACKSON COUNTY
TOURNAMENT TITLE, PISGAH FINISHES RUNNER-UP

Story By Cinthia Rico
The North Jackson Lady Chiefs bested Pisgah 11-4 last Saturday evening to claim their second consecutive county title.

Regarding Saturday’s performance, North Jackson Varsity Softball Head Coach Billy McClendon said the team played well despite having Haven Steeley go down with a concussion on Friday night.

“We had to move some players around and play a little bit out of position, but overall the girls battled through,” he said.

In the winning circle, Destry Lambert led the Chiefs, striking out five while surrendering four runs on three hits over four innings, striking out five.

North Jackson’s offensive efforts were led by Tionna Eldridge and Abby Guess, who both had two hits each. Eldridge made significant contributions to the team by driving in three runs with a single in the first and a double in the second inning.

The strong start fueled North Jackson’s big opening inning en route to victory, as Avery Wynne, Sarah Garder, Peyton Hill, Guess, Lambert, Eldridge, Jayda Hutchins, and Jaila Cobb all plated home for an 8-1 advantage.

Of their early lead McClendon said the early momentum carried them the rest of the way. He also added the team’s good senior leadership added to their strength.

Eden Henager paced Pisgah on the mound, surrendering eight runs on four hits over one-third of an inning and striking out one. Brilynn Chisenall threw for two innings, allowing three runs on five hits.

Madeline Falmmia led the Eagles at the plate, going 2-for-3, also hitting a solo homer in the first, while Rylan Lawson went 1-for-2. Falmmia, Julianne Davis, and Lawson all scored runs for Pisgah.

North Jackson began Class 4A Area 14 play on Monday, finishing as the area runner-up and advancing to the East Regionals.

North Jackson 12, Skyline 3
North Jackson advanced to the championship round after defeating Skyline 12-3, thanks to a nine-run fourth inning by the Lady Chiefs.

In the winning circle, Darcy McClendon allowed three runs on eight hits over five innings, while striking out four and walking one for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs racked up multiple hits including two home runs. Destry Lambert went deep in the first and Seale nailed a dinger in the fourth.

Olivia Treece started Skyline on the hill, surrendering 12 runs on two hits over four innings, striking out four. Blakely Stucky, Audra Bellomy and Brinlee Potts paced the Lady Vikings in hits.

Pisgah 7, Skyline 2
Although Skyline had an early lead, Pisgah’s offense came alive in the third inning, scoring four runs and leading the Eagles to a 5-2 victory over the Vikings.

This inning ultimately resulted in a 7-2 triumph for Pisgah. On a 1-2 count, Falmmia hit a single that brought Rylan Lawson home. On the next play, Barron hit a triple and Falmmia scored.

In the Circle, Pisgah’s Piper Anderson started play, allowing four hits and two runs over three innings. At the plate, Barron led the Eagles while Pisgah only
allowed five hits.

Semifinals results: Skyline bested Pisgah 8-0, and North
Jackson rolled past North Sand Mountain 14-1.

Quarterfinals results: NSM defeated Section 3-1 and
Skyline shut out Woodville 15-0.