In a game loaded with talent Ringgold’s stars stood out, highlighted by Amber Gainer’s home run over the left field grandstands during Tuesday’s Tennessee/Georgia All Star softball game.
While being nearly doubled in roster size, 22-12, by Tennessee’s all stars, Gainer was not the only recent Tigers graduate to make an impact in a game where all 34 players have signed to play college softball. Her twin sister Jade Gainer scored multiple runs and doubled, Caroline Hemphill doubled and drove in four runs over two games and Riley Nayadley delivered a web gem at shortstop.
The star talent shown by the back-to-back GHSA Class AAA state champions came as no suprise to the Georgia All Star team’s head coach Daniel Hackett.
“These girls’ bats have been a huge key to our success and big wins the last few years,” said Hackett, who has led Ringgold to a 58-15 record the last two seasons. “Both of these teams were stacked. This game meant a lot to our girls because Tennessee has commanded the series all-time. But these girls wanted to put their stamp on it and they certainly did. This area has great softball and all of these girls should be proud.”
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Arkansas Hospitality Association
When the central Arkansas chapter of the Arkansas Hospitality Association throws a party, you know it’s going to be … well … hospitable. The group got together Jan. 26 for a reception, dinner and awards ceremony at the Capital Hotel.
The Gainer twins will continue to showcase their talent on the local scene after signing with Chattanooga State. Their bond was showcased throughout the night as they cheered for one another and all of their teammates, while they warmed up before the second game and patrolled the outfield together.
Coming into the game Tennessee had controlled the all-time series 34-9-1.
However, the two teams tied 7-all in the first game while Georgia took the winner take all game two 5-3 as they had 11 hits.
Impressive plays were made throughout the game including a diving catch and snow cone catch on fly balls by Georgia Tech signee Ella Edgmon to end the first game in a tie. Edgmon also had a pair of extra base hits and two runs in game one.
Fellow Georgia Tech signee Emma Minghini also starred in her three innings of work in the pitching circle, striking out eight while allowing no earned runs. She also drove in a run and scored twice. Calhoun’s Lyndi Rae Davis, a Georgia signee, also had an RBI double in the 5-3 game two victory. Heritage’s Bailey Christol had four hits on the day. Sequatchie County’s Cali Green and East Hamilton’s Syerra Rogers each drove in two runs for Tennessee in game one.
Red Bank’s Zoe Helms had the game-tying RBI single in game one.