COLUMBUS, Ga. – Gracey Kruse was experiencing the gamut of emotions after leading Gordon Lee to its seventh GHSA fastpitch softball championship Saturday.
The star junior was crying and smiling at the same time after a monster day that included four home runs and 11 RBIs as the Lady Trojans went 3-1. After losing to Georgia Military College in the Class A public winners’-bracket final Saturday morning, Gordon Lee (33-2) rallied for a 3-1 win over Wilcox before sweeping GMC in the title round, 6-5 and 7-2.
“We’re kind of used to doing bad at the start and then picking it up,” Kruse said, wiping away a big tear while wearing her championship T-shirt and medal. “We knew it wouldn’t be a cake walk, and we’re all really tired, but we’re just a big family.
“I can’t remember a better day for me – it tops it all. I’ve never cried for being so happy until now.”
Kruse hit a homer in each game and did severe damage in what turned out to be the key win. After hitting a solo homer in the first inning in the first championship-round game against GMC, she doubled in two runs in the third and added what seemed like insurance with a two-run single in the seventh for a 6-3 lead.