RINGGOLD, Ga. - Going into the 2020 softball season, the thought surrounding Region 6-AAA was the regular season would be a survival-of-the-fittest kind of storyline.
Two weeks into it, nothing has transpired to dispel that thought.
With Ringgold's 1-0 win over Catoosa County rival Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe on Monday night, every team in 6-AAA - annually one of the Georgia High School Association's top leagues in softball - now has at least one region loss. The Lady Tigers (4-3, 3-1), the 2019 state champions, received a much-needed pitching boost from Taylor Layne to hand the Lady Warriors (4-3) their first defeat in three league games this year.
"Taylor is showing some special talents in the circle by locating well and pitching through some adversity," Ringgold coach Daniel Hackett said. "We were able to rely on her tonight, and I'm so proud to have her and watch her grow. Tonight was a big win against another good pitcher and team."
Layne, after surrendering eight earned runs in a season-opening 19-10 loss to Heritage, now has a pair of shutout wins in league play. She held LFO to three hits and struck out five batters in a complete game Monday, benefiting from a pair of late-inning double plays.
Ringgold scored its lone run in the second inning against LFO starter Haley Stahl (six innings, one earned run, two hits) on Alyissa Sue's two-out RBI single. After stranding a pair of runners in scoring position in the fourth inning, Layne snared a line drive to start a double play in the fifth and then got a little help from LFO in the seventh on another twin killing to seal the win.
Breonn Newbille opened the LFO seventh with a single. A sacrifice bunt attempt was charged by Ringgold third baseman Jade Gainer, who got the out at first. Newbille attempted to make it to third but was gunned out by Addi Broome to end the threat.
Gordon Lee 4, Dade County 2: Emma Langston scattered five hits and struck out 10 batters, while Addison Sturdivant and Allie Farrow had a pair of hits each and Emma Minghini drove in two runs for the Lady Trojans (4-2). Michaela Massey and Kami Counts had an RBI each for the Lady Wolverines (6-3).
Sonoraville 4, LaFayette 1: Taylor Long pitched a one-hitter with 16 strikeouts for the Lady Phoenix (3-3, 2-1 Region 6-AAA). Kelly Green provided all the support she would need with a three-run homer in the first inning, while Daelynn Cochran was 2-for-2 with a run scored.
Adairsville 1, Coahulla Creek 0: The Lady Colts (7-2, 2-2 Region 6-AAA) lost despite getting a no-hitter from ace Sophia Voyles, who struck out 13 and walked two. One of those walks led off Adairsville's half of the fifth, and the resulting baserunner ended up scoring on a sacrifice and two wild pitches.
GOLF
Griffin Law was stellar, shooting a 1-under-par 35 in nine holes to lift East Hamilton to victory over McMinn County at Springbrook Golf Club. The Hurricanes won 161-177 and also received strong performances from Eli Winkler and Will Tracy, who shot 41 and 42, respectively.
VOLLEYBALL
Bradley Central 3, Soddy-Daisy 0: The Bearettes were led by outstanding service, collecing 18 aces. Six of those came from Abigail Leonard, who also had a match-best 13 digs. Bradley Central had 12 kills to take command with a 25-14 victory in the opening set. Kelsey Carman led Bradley Central with nine kills to go with four aces, along with Courtney Carroll.
Dekalb County 2, Lookout Valley 1: Lookout Valley won the second set, 25-23, as sisters Delaynee and Bailey Davis were sharp leading the way in kills and aces for the Yellow Jackets.
Sale Creek 3, Rhea County 2: The Class A Landy Panthers improved to 3-0 with an upset victory, 16-25, 17-25, 25-16, 25-21, 15-11. The comeback at home was driven by Ava Higgins, who had 18 kills. Sale Creek also received stellar contributions from Lillie Parks (12 kills, 10 aces), Allison Smith (36 digs), Ansley White (25 assists), Sarah Gibson (8 kills, two blocks) and Ruthie Parks (18 digs).
Compiled by Lindsey Young and Patrick MacCoon. Contact Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22. Contact MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.