By By Adam Prestridge
The trip to Lagoon Park in Montgomery Friday was not a wasted one for the Escambia Academy Lady Cougars’ softball team.
Despite losing back-to-back games to be knocked out of the double-elimination AISA Elite 8 state tournament, the team gained vital experience in preparation for next season.
The No. 8-seeded Lady Cougars, which ended their season 9-17, lost in the first round of the Class AA division to top-seeded Marengo, 10-0.
Escambia Academy committed four errors in the first inning of play allowing Marengo to score six runs, four of which were scored on a grand slam home run. Marengo went on to score four more runs to shutout the Lady Cougars.
Escambia Academy managed only three hits against Marengo. Sophomore Jackie Perkins led the way going 1-for-1 with a double and a walk. Junior Malori McGhee chipped in with a single and a sacrifice and freshman Tori Rodriguez added a single.
EA went on to commit 13 errors in an 11-3 loss to fourth-seeded Jackson in the loser’s bracket.
Freshman Taylor Helton finished 3-for-4 at the plate with three singles to pace the Lady Cougars’ offense. Sophomore Jennifer Morris also had a good day at the dish going 2-for-4 with a double and single. Lacie Flowers added a single and drove in one run and Niki Bryan also slapped a single.
Talerie Singleton is the only senior the Lady Cougars will lose to graduation this year leaving Payne optimistic for next season.