Alabama Christian Advances to State

There was a time in Montgomery, AL that death, taxes, and ACA (15-19) advancing to State in softball were guarantees. However, since Chris Goodman’s retirement in 2021, the Eagles have been unable to advance past Regionals, until Thursday. After two years of disappointment an unknown coach, Megan Whisenant, was given the reins of the program. There were many questions heading into the season with a new coach and players who jumped ship while times were low. Although it hasn’t always been pretty this year, this team has fought and scratched and improved from previous seasons. All the hard work and dedication to the school and the program paid off with a 9-8 defeat of Beulah to keep the season alive.

The first game of the day was the winner bracket finals against in-town rival, St James. In a curious move, the Eagles started Maddie Owens in the circle to maybe throw the timing off against the Trojans or maybe just save arms for a possible second game. Whatever the thinking, Owens was ineffective and gave up eight runs in the first after ACA had scratched across a run in the top half. Maddie Traywick came in and pitched the rest of the way as Alabama Christian actually outscored its opponent 5-3 the rest of the way. Lily Sconyers and Traywick led the offense with two hits apiece in the 11-6 defeat. Traywick went yard for the third game in a row and joined McKinzie Kilpatrick as the only players in program history to hit at least 10 homers in a season.

After the loss to St James the Eagles sat and waited for the winner of Beulah and Randolph County. Once the opponent was decided, ACA set its sights on State with a match up against Beulah. The Bobcats struck quickly with two in the top of the first for an early lead. In the second, ACA got on the board with four runs. Campbell Hammett and Izzy Warrick delivered run scoring hits to highlight the frame. Beulah responded immediately with four of their own in the third. The first two batters reached and were sent home from a three-run homer to take the lead. The Bobcats added another for a 6-4 lead. The defense gave one back to ACA as Annabelle Pugh scored from first after an outfield error to cut the deficit to a single run.

Neither team scored over the next two innings and ACA still trailed as they entered the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Chloe Childs and Campbell Hammett hit back to back singles to set the table for Izzy Warrick. On a 2-2 pitch, Warrick doubled to center to give ACA the lead. The clutch hit must have shaken the Bobcats because the next two batters reached on errors which plated two more runs for the Eagles. Heading to the seventh the Eagles led by three and were looking to close out the contest. However, a two-out, two-run single certainly put the outcome in doubt. Warrick was unfazed and struck out the next batter on three pitches to send ACA back to State, where they belong.

Izzy Warrick picked up the win in the circle with 11 punch outs over seven innings and starred at the plate with a 2 for 4 performance with a double, two runs scored, and the two game winning RBIs. Annabelle Pugh and Campbell Hammett wach scored two runs as well.

ACA Wins Both Games on Day One of Regionals

Alabama Christian (14-18) cruised in the first game of the day against Childersburg with a 15-4 run-rule victory. Game two was a ten inning instant classic as Maddie Traywick walked it off with a two-run bomb for a 7-5 defeat of Randolph County. The two victories put the Lady Eagles in the winner’s bracket final against St James.

Game one was much closer than the final score indicated, but an eleven run explosion in the fifth finished the Tigers from Childersburg. ACA scored one in the first for an early lead as, offensive catalyst, Izzy Warrick singled and came around and scored on a Maddie Traywick sac fly. Traywick was dominant in the circle as she retired the first nine batters she faced. In the third, Traywick struck with a solo blast to center field and the offense posted two more runs for a 4-0 lead after three.

Childersburg finally scratched in the fourth as they scored on an infield error to cut the score to 4-1. ACA then erased any hope for the Tigers as they scored eleven in the top of the fifth. Lily Sconyers drove in the first run followed by the big blow of the frame as Elizabeth Hall hit a three-run homer to left for an 8-0 cushion. The next six runs were courtesy of the Childersburg defense as they committed four errors. The last run of the game was driven in by Bentley Lamberth for a 15-1 advantage. Childersburg scored three in the bottom half, but the game still ended due to the mercy rule.

Five batters, Izzy Warrick, Maddie Traywick, Elizabeth Hall, Bentley Lamberth, and Anna Gleason, each delivered two hits to lead the offense. Traywick and Hall each homered as Hall led the team with three RBIs and three runs scored. Traywick picked up the win with eight strikeouts over five innings.

Game two saw ACA and Randolph County clash as both teams won their first game. of the day Neither team scored in the first two frames as Izzy Warrick and her countepart held the offenses scoreless. The Eagles scored three in the third without the benefit of a hit. A walk, two errors, and a sacrfice plated three runs for a 3-0 lead. Randolph County responded with a run in the fourth and four more in the fifth to take a 5-3 lead. Campbell Hammett hit a little league homer as she reached on error and scored on a second error to cut the deficit to one run. ACA entered the seventh still trailing by one, but a one-out single from Warrick got things started. After the junior stole second, the next batter popped out to leave the Eagles with just one more chance. Thankfully, it was all they needed. Anna Prempramot singled on a 1-0 pitch to left to tie the game and force extras.

Izzy Warrick continued to mow down the Tiger hitters as she set down the opponent 1-2-3 in the eighth. AG Blackburn singled in the bottom half, but the good guys could not drive her home. Randolph County’s first two batters reached in the ninth, but a double play on a line drive to center fielder Lily Sconyers stopped the Tigers momentum. Chloe Childs led off the ninth with a single, but three ground outs in a row ended the frame. In the tenth, the Tigers put two runners on base with one out, but were unable to score off Warrick and the Eagle defense. In the bottom half, Anna Prempramot led off with a single to left. The next batter, Maddie Traywick, sent a 1-0 pitch into the night for a dramatic 7-5 marathon win.

Izzy Warrick earned the win in the circle as she pitched all ten innings and threw 154 pitches in the process. The ten innings pitched ties for the second most ever thrown in a single game. AG Blackburn’s 3 for 4 performance led the offense while Warrick and Anna Prempramot each delivered two hits. Warrick and Campbell Hammett each scored two runs while Maddie Traywick’s two huge RBIs led the squad.

ACA Extends Regional Streak with Win Over Trinity

Alabama Christian has played fast pitch softball full-time since 1996 and only COVID in 2020 has been able to keep them from reaching Regionals. This season was no different as the Lady Eagles defeated Trinity 10-0 in six innings on Tuesday to clinch a Regional berth.

On day one of the Area tournament, ACA beat the Wildcats 9-7 as they built a big lead and held on at the end for the two-run victory. The Eagles then lost a pitcher’s duel to St James 1-0 as Izzy Warrick starred in the circle in the low scoring affair.

Day two matched ACA and Trinity for the right to advance to Regionals. The Eagles sent Izzy Warrick to the circle for the win or go home contest. After a lightning delay in the top of the first, the Lady Eagles got down to business and scored one in the first on an Anna Gleason ground out for a 1-0 lead. In the second, back to back RBI doubles by Warrick and Lily Sconyers increased the lead to 4-0 and Gleason drove in her second run of the day to make it 5-0. Warrick really only needed one run, but a five-run cushion seemed insurmountable for the Wildcat offense.

In the third, Izzy Warrick tripled in two and scored herself on a bases loaded walk to stretch the lead to 8-0. Neither team scored over the next two frames and the margin remained at eight runs going to the Eagle’s half of the inning. Campbell Hammett doubled in the ninth run and Annabelle Pugh scored the tenth on a wild pitch to end it.

Izzy Warrick, Lily Sconyers, and Campbell Hammett each had two hits to lead the team at the plate. Warrick and Anna Gleason both drove in three runs. Warrick pitched all six innings to earn the win with six strikeouts.

In the championship game, ACA fell to St James 0-7 and will be the number two seed from our Area at Regionals.

Lady Eagles Close Regular Season with Doubleheader Sweep

ACA (10-16) went to Lagoon on Monday and took both ends of a doubleheader against JAG, formerly Jeff Davis. Izzy Warrick no-hit the home team in the first game as she struck out 12 and Maddie Traywick homered twice to spark the Eagles. In game two, Traywick homered again and JAG wanted nothing to do with her as they intentionally walked her twice later in the game. Both games ended early via run-rule as the two teams played eight innings on the evening.

Game One

After an Izzy Warrick triple to start, Maddie Traywick put JAG on notice as she homered to left in the first inning for a 3-0 lead. The home team continued to be generous as ACA scored five more times in the frame, but only one was driven in on an Eagle hit as Chloe Childs singled in Anna Gleason. After a long top of the inning in which twelve batters came to the plate, starting pitcher Warrick only allowed three batters as she set her opponent down in order.

Maddie Traywick hit another two-run shot to center in the third to extend ACA’s lead to 11-0. Three consecutive hits scored two more runs and Alabama Christian led 13-0 after three. JAG scored its only run in the fourth aided by two Eagle errors. ACA added one in the fifth and Izzy Warrick completed the no-no by striking out the side

Chloe Child led the team with three hits in four at-bats with two RBIs and Maddie Traywick finished 2 for 4 with two homers and four runs driven in. Izzy Warrick struck out 12 in five innings in her fourth career no-hitter.

Game Two

The two teams played three frames in the nightcap as ACA cruised to an 11-2 win. For the third time, Maddie Traywick hit a two-run homer for two of the team’s four first inning runs. JAG’s first hitter singled to finally scratch against ACA pitching. The Eagles added five more in the second highlighted by a Lily Sconyers’ single scoring Izzy Warrick. JAG scored twice in the second for their only runs. The Lady Eagles added two in the third for the final tally of 11-2.

Lily Sconyers led the offense with a 2 for 3 performance with two RBIs. Maddie Traywick and Anna Gleason both drove in two runs. Traywick picked up the win in the circle with five strikeouts over three innings.

Eagles Cruise Past MA on Senior Night

Alabama Christian finished Area play with back to back wins over MA on Wednesday and Thursday. ACA secured the number two seed for the Area tournament with 13-1 and 8-0 wins over the other Eagles. Izzy Warrick and Maddie Traywick overwhelmed MA batters in both games as they combined for 21 punch outs.

in game one, Warrick allowed just one hit while she struck out 11 batters over seven innings. ACA also took advantage of an astounding twelve MA errors. Lily Sconyers started the fun with a sac fly in the first for a 1-0 lead. The visitors tacked on two more in the frame to lead 3-0 after one. MA scored one in the bottom half, but that was all Warrick allowed. Two more runs in the second extended the lead to 5-1. In the fourth, Warrick and Sconyers both doubled in consecutive at bats to stretch the score to 7-1. ACA finished off MA with five runs in the sixth to run rule its opponent 13-1.

Check out the ball at the top of the picture. It’s gone!!

Izzy Warrick and Lily Sconyers both led the offense with two hits apiece as Sconyers drove in three runs and Warrick scored three runs. Maddie Traywick, Elizabeth Hall, and Sam Burgess each scored two runs.

The seniors were celebrated before game two and Maddie Traywick took her turn to dominate the visitors. The junior struck out ten over seven innings and allowed just one hit. Izzy Warrick and Lily Sconyers carried the offense as they drove in seven of the team’s eight runs. up 1-0 in the second, Warrick sparked the team as she hit a solo shot over the left field fence for a 2-0 advantage. In the fourth, Warrick was at it again as she cleared the bases with a double to center for a 5-0 lead. Sconyers drove her teammate in with a single and a 6-0 lead. ACA added two more late for the final 8-0 margin. Although the game went the distance, the home standing Eagles were always in control.

Izzy Warrick finished the game 2 for 3 with four runs driven in and four runs scored. Sconyers drove in three as AG Blackburn drove in the other run.

ACA Sweeps Season Series Against Trinity

Alabama Christian (5-14) evened its Area record to 2-2 with a 10-1 defeat of Trinity. The game was highlighted by Izzy Warrick who broke the career stolen bases record in program history. ACA scored the first seven runs of the game and was in control most of the way.

In the circle, Izzy Warrick set down Trinity 1-2-3 in the first inning and then scored the game’s first run as Lily Sconyers singled her in for a 1-0 lead. In the third the Eagles scored four runs to stretch the lead to 5-0. Maddie Traywick and Elizabeth Hall both delivered run scoring hits in the frame. ACA extended the lead to 7-0 in the fourth as Campbell Hammett and Warrick both scored.

Trinity produced two of their three hits for the game in the sixth inning to finally get on the board. With a runner on third, Warrick worked out of it with a ground out to third baseman Anna Gleason. To make sure the Wildcats did not keep any momentum, ACA answered with three runs in the bottom half. Anna Prempramot drove in Warrick and Annabelle Pugh knocked in two more for a commanding 10-1 lead. The game fittingly ended with a ground out to Warrick as she shut the door on the visitors.

Maddie Traywick led the offense with three hits in four at bats with a double and one RBI. Izzy Warrick went 2 for 2 with two walks, five stolen bases, and four runs scored while Elizabeth Hall finished 2 for 4 with a run driven in. Warrick was dominant in the circle with 13 strikeouts over seven innings.

ACA will play MA on Wednesday and Thursday to close Area play.

Alabama Christian Beats Trinity in Area Road Win

After dropping the Area opener to St James, ACA (4-10) bounced back with an 11-5 triumph at Trinity. The Lady Eagles scored three runs in the top of the first and never trailed in the game. Izzy Warrick pitched a complete game to earn the win in the circle.

After Izzy Warrick scored on a passed ball, Lily Sconyers drove in two with a single to center for a 3-0 lead in the first. Trinity scored two in the third to keep the game close, until the fifth inning. Anna Gleason and Campbell Hammett both had run scoring hits to increase the lead to 6-2. The Wildcats answered with a homer to cut the lead to 6-4 after five.

ACA scored four in the sixth as Maddie Traywick and Campbell Hammett both drove in runs and two more scored compliments of the Trinity defense. Chloe Childs drove in the final run with a bunt single for an 11-4 lead. Trinity scored one in the home half of the seventh, but could get no closer.

Five batters, AG Blackburn, Lily Sconyers, Maddie Traywick, Anna Gleason, and Campbell Hammett, each delivered two hits to lead the offense. Sconyers and Hammett both drove in two runs while Blackburn, Sconyers, Traywick, and Gleason each scored two runs.

ACA will play this weekend in a tournament in Pike Road.

ACA Records Much Needed Victory Over LAMP

Alabama Christian (3-10) had an enjoyable day at the ball field with a 14-2 demolition of LAMP. Maddies Traywick and Owens combined for a no-hitter despite the defense allowing two runs. The feat kept a streak alive of throwing at least one no-hitter every year since 1996 except for the COVID season of 2020.

LAMP scored twice in the first inning due to two ACA errors to take an early 2-0 lead. The Eagles answered quickly as the first seven batters in the lineup reached safely. AG Blackburn started the scoring for the home team with a two-run triple down the left field line, plating Izzy Warrick and Annabelle Pugh. LAMP gave two back as ACA took the lead 4-2 on consecutive miscues. Campbell Hammett made it 5-2 with a line drive single to left and Warrick wrapped up the scoring with a two-run single to left. Maddie Traywick struck out two in the second and brought Alabama Christian’s offense back to the plate quickly. ACA extended the lead to 9-2 in the second.

LAMP led off the third with a walk, but Annabelle Pugh took care of the base runner as she tried to steal second. The next two batters were retired in order. Izzy Warrick continued to drive in runners as she hit another two-run single in the third for an 11-2 lead. The junior continued to put pressure on the Golden Tiger defense as she stole third and scored the team’s twelfth run after an error trying to throw her out. Maddie Traywick made it 13-2 with an RBI single to left for the last run of the third. Traywick struck out the side in the fourth to continue the no-hitter. ACA’s last run was plated by Warrick who knocked in Sydney Jones with a bloop single by the second baseman. Maddie Owens pitched the fifth and final inning and faced the minimum of three batters.

Izzy Warrick led the squad with three hits and drove in five runs with two runs scored. Lily Sconyers and Campbell Hammett both had two hits while Sconyers scored three runs. Maddie Traywick earned the win in the circle with nine strikeouts in four innings.

Lady Eagles Drop Close One to PCA

After an unusual 13 day layoff in the middle of the season, the ACA (2-10) softball team hosted PCA on Thursday. The game was tied after five innings, but the Panthers scored two in the sixth to come away with a road victory. The home team did not help themselves as they committed eight errors. PCA was not much better as they had seven of their own.

The Panthers scored one in the top of the first, but ACA responded when Maddie Traywick singled to center and tied the game. In the third, the Eagles took their only lead of the day as Annabelle Pugh drove in Izzy Warrick for a 2-1 lead. PCA tied it back up in the fourth as they scored on an Eagle error. The Panthers added two runs in the fifth, but it was ACA’s turn to respond as they tied it up in the bottom half. Warrick led off the frame with a single to right and later scored on a Traywick ground out to cut the lead to one. With two outs, Lily Sconyers drove in the second run of the inning with a single to center that scored Elizabeth Hall. Another error in the sixth opened the door for PCA as they scored two in the sixth for a 6-4 advantage. Over the final two innings, Alabama Christian only one player reach base as they were unable to answer PCA one last time.

Although Izzy Warrick took the loss in the circle, she pitched well allowing no earned runs with nine strikeouts over seven. Four players, Warrick, Annabelle Pugh, Maddie Traywick, and Lily Sconyers, each had one hit for the Eagle offense. Traywick drove in two to lead the team and Warrick scored two for top honors.

ACA begins Area play on Monday as they host St James.

ACA beats Northside at Tournament in Orange Beach

The Lady Eagles (2-9) defeated Northside 9-2 on day one of the Pot O’ Gold Tournament on Thursday. ACA was scheduled to played four games in all, but the last game against Milton (FL) was cancelled due to weather. The highlight of the weekend came as Izzy Warrick set a new single game record with five steals against Bob Jones.

Game one - Bob Jones

Alabama Christian outhit the Patriots and led 5-4 heading to the bottom of the fifth, but Bob Jones scored two to take the lead and closed it out in the sixth. ACA started the scoring as Elizabeth Hall knocked in Izzy Warrick in the first for a 1-0 lead. The designated home team tied it up in the bottom half with an RBI single. In the third, the Eagles scored two runs as the first four batters reached base. Annabelle Pugh drove in one with a single to center and Anna Gleason drove the second in with an infield ground out. The Patriots scored three in the third thanks to three ACA errors to retake the lead 4-3. Lily Sconyers and Sydney Jones drove in runs in the fifth as the Eagles see sawed back in the lead. Bob Jones hit a two-run homer in the bottom half to retake the lead and the game, 6-5.

Izzy Wrrick led the offense with a 3 for 3 day with five steals and two runs scored. Elizabeth Hall and Lily Sconyers both had two hits and drove in a run. Maddie Traywick went the distance, but took the loss over five innings with two strikeouts.

Game two - Northside

In the second game Thursday night, ACA whipped Northside 9-2 in five innings. Izzy Warrick got things going immediately as she led the game off with a single, advanced to second on the throw from the left fielder, stole third, and scored on an error by the third baseman during the steal attempt. Warrick then took the circle and blanked the Rams for four innings. The ACA offense exploded in the fourth with six tuns to take a commanding 7-0 lead. The Eagles had four hits in the frame, the biggest of which was a three-run smash by Maddie Traywick. Both teams scored two in the fifth as time ran out during ACA’s half of the inning.

Three players led the way at the plate as Campbell Hammett, Anna Gleason, and Izzy Warrick each delivered two hits. Warrick and Chloe Childs both scored two runs while Maddie Traywick led the team with three runs driven in. Warrick picked up the win as she allowed zero earned runs over five innings with five punch outs.

Game three - Orange Beach

ACA was treated rudely by the host team as they were dominated in a 0-12 loss to the Macos. The Lady Eagles were no-hit over six innings and were run-ruled as a three-run homer ended it. Maddie Traywick took the loss as she pitched all six innings.

Lady Eagles Pick up First Win in Early Week Play

Meagan Whisenant recorded her first win as head coach of Alabama Christian (1-6) as her team beat Stanhope Elmore in a continuation of the season opener from February 22. Eighteen days passed between the start of the game and the finish, but it took the Eagles just one inning on Monday to win 9-8 in eight innings. The game ended tied at seven two weeks ago. In the top of the eighth, Stanhope Elmore scored once to take an 8-7 lead over ACA. In the bottom half, Maddie Traywick led off with a single to tie it then stole second and third with one out. Anna Gleason hit a ball the Mustang shortstop could not handle and Traywick scored the game winner.

In game two, ACA pitching held the Mustangs to just four hits, but the Eagles lost 1-4. Stanhope scored two in the first to take an early lead. The Eagles lone run of the contest came in the second as Bentley Lamberth scored after an infield error by the home team. The Mustangs scored two more in the third for a 4-1 advantage. ACA had at least one runner on three of the final four frames, but could not come through with a timely hit to cut the margin. Four players, Izzy Warrick, Elizabeth Hall, Anna Gleason, and Anna Prempramot, each had singles while Warrick and Campbell Hammett each stole two bases. Maddie Traywick and Warrick split the pitching duties.

On Tuesday, ACA met Catholic for the 63rd time in series history. Like Monday, Eagle pitching held its opponent’s offense to minimum success, but a lack of offense resulted in a 2-3 defeat at the hands of the Lady Knights. Catholic scored on a wild pitch for the first run of the game. ACA loaded the bases with two outs in the third and put two runners on in the fifth, but were unable to score. Izzy Warrick relieved Maddie Traywick in the fifth and Catholic was able to extend their lead to 2-0. The Eagles finally scored in the sixth as Maddie Owens singled in AG Blackburn to cut the lead to one run. Unfortunately, the Knights scored one run, which would prove monumental, in the bottom half for an insurance run to build the lead back to two runs. In the Eagles final at bat, Elizabeth Hall singled to center to drive in Warrick with two outs, but the next batter ground out to the pitcher to end the game.

Elizabeth Hall led the offense with a 2 for 3 day with a double and an RBI. Maddie Traywick and Izzy Warrick once again split the pitching duties as Traywick took the loss.

ACA Loses to Elmore County in Error Filled Game

Like the baseball team the day before, the softball team committed nine errors in a 5-8 loss to Elmore County. ACA led 5-1 after four innings, but six miscues over the final three innings doomed the fate of the home team.

ACA gave up a run in the first, but a bases loaded two-out double from Izzy Warrick in the second gave the Eagles a 2-1 lead. In the fourth, the home team scored three more times thanks to a Lily Sconyers single and a two-run error by Elmore County. The ACA defense fell apart in the fifth with four errors which allowed the Panthers to tie the score, 5-5. Over the final two innings, Elmore County managed to score three runs, one in the sixth and two in the seventh, but the Alabama Chrsitian offense managed only a single hit from Warrick.

Warrick collected three of the team’s five hits and pitched a complete game with 12 strikeouts. The junior also drove in two runs and stole a base. Anna Gleason and Lily Sconyers had the other two hits for the offense.

The Lady Eagles next contest is against Brew Tech at home on Thursday, February 29.

Eagles Lose First Road Game at PCA

ACA (0-1-1) traveled to Prattville to take on a very good PCA program. Although the bats never came alive, the Eagles kept it close in a 0-5 loss. Maddie Traywick started in the circle for Alabama Christian and struck out four Panthers, with no walks, in a complete game effort. ACA managed just three base runners in the game with only one hit. ACA only trailed 0-2 going to the bottom of the fifth, but PCA scored three runs in their last two at-bats to stretch the lead to five runs.

Izzy Warrick recorded the team’s only hit while Lily Sconyers walked and Maddie Traywick was hit by a pitch.

The Eagles host Elmore County on Tuesday in their next action.

ACA Opens Season Against Stanhope Elmore

It’s not often a softball game ends in a tie, but that is exactly what happened in Alabama Christian’s (0-0-1) season opener against Stanhope Elmore. ACA scored a run in the bottom of the seventh to tie the score 7-7 and the game was called due to darkness.

Izzy Warrick scored the season’s first run in the opening inning. After a walk, the junior advanced to third on two wild pitches and broke for home on a bad throw between catcher and pitcher. To top it off, she struck out the side in the following half inning. Stanhope did score twice in the third to take a 2-1 lead. In the fourth, ACA seesawed back into the lead with two runs. Warrick and Elizabeth Hall scored on consecutive ground outs to retake the lead. In the fifth, the visitors tied the game, 3-3.

In the sixth, ACA broke through with three runs for a seemingly safe 6-3 lead. Elizabeth Hall drove in Izzy Warrick on a single to right to take the lead and two Stanhope errors tacked on tow more runs to stretch the lead to three. A three-run homer in the top of the seventh from the visitors catapulted the Mustangs back into the lead. Campbell Hammett led off the last inning by reaching on an infield error. With one out, she stole second and third and scored on a wild pitch with two outs to tie it up. It was decided not to play extra innings due to darkness.

Elizabeth Hall led the offense going 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Annabelle Pugh and Maddie Traywick had the other two hits in the game. Izzy Warrick reached base three times and scored three runs while Anna Gleason drove in two runs. Warrick went the distance in the circle with eight strikeouts.

Lady Eagles Dominate Trinity in Area Play

ACA emphatically thumped Trinity in its Area opener Thursday afternoon 15-0. Although the game was close after two innings, the Eagles erupted for fourteen runs in the third and fourth for the run-rule triumph. Izzy Warrick was impressive in the circle as she allowed just three hits and struck out seven in four innings.

The Lady Eagles scored their first run on a run-scoring grounder from Elizabeth Hall scoring Izzy Warrick. In the third, the first six batters reached base on their way to a five-run frame. Lily Sconyers and AG Blackburn both delivered RBI singles. In the game-ending fourth inning, the first two batters were retired. With two outs twelve consecutive batters reached safely and sent the Wildcats home. 

Lily Sconyers and AG Blackburn both singled followed by an RBI single by Emmah Clement. Sydney Jones doubled in one and Campbell Hammett knocked in two more for a 10-0 lead. Izzy Warrick doubled in two more and the thirteenth run scored on a Trinity infield error. Blackburn and Clement knocked in the last two runs for the 15-0 shutout.

Anna Williams led the offense with a 3 for 3 afternoon with a walk and two runs scored. Five Eagles, Lily Sconyers,, AG Blackburn, Emmah Clement, Sydney Jones and Campbell Hammett, each had two hits and drove in eight runs between them.

Alabama Christian next plays in a weekend tournament in Oxford. 

Lady Eagles Keep Regional Streak Alive

Alabama Christian qualified for Regional play for the 25th consecutive time with two wins to open the Area tournament. There was a sense of deja vu for ACA as they struggled during the regular season against local Area competition, but turned the tables in the postseason. Last year, the Lady Eagles lost all five contests to LAMP and St James, but beat the two teams in all four postseason meetings. This year, ACA went 1-3 in the regular season against the two in-town Area rivals, but beat each team once to advance to the Area finals and secure a spot in the Regional tournament.

The Eagles jumped on St James early in the tournament opener with two first-inning runs on just one hit. A hit batter and two walks loaded the bases with one out. Diana Blackburn hit a grounder to second to drive in the first run and Annabelle Pugh singled in the second run for the 2-0 lead. ACA scored two more in the second as Anna Williams drove in both runs for a commanding 4-0 lead. Izzy Warrick took it from there and scattered six hits over seven innings to earn the win. The freshman struck out four and dealt with base runners in five of the seven innings, but held the Trojans to a single run. Campbell Hammett and Annabelle Pugh collected the team’s only two hits in the 4-1 triumph.

Alabama Christian faced the host school, LAMP, in the winner bracket finals and defeated the Golden Tigers, 2-1. ACA struck first again as Izzy Warrick scored on an Anna Williams sacrifice aided by an infield error. Annabelle Pugh knocked in the second run with a fourth-inning single that scored Williams. LAMP scored its only run in the bottom half but could manage no more. Warrick was spectacular in the circle again with nine strikeouts and no walks over seven innings. Warrick, Pugh and Maddie Traywick had the hits for the victors.

Despite only five hits in the first two games, Alabama Christian sits alone as the only undefeated team in the tournament. The defense which struggled with errors all year committed only one in the first two games in support of Warrick.

Alabama Christian Wins Three Straight Area Games

The Lady Eagles closed out Area play with three consecutive wins this week to finish in a tie for second place with St James with a record of 5-3. ACA swept a doubleheader from Bullock County on Tuesday, 15-0 and 17-0, and put a damper on St James’ Senior Day by beating the Trojans, 4-3. The two teams will clash again in the Area tournament and the Eagles will come into the game knowing they can beat their opponent.

ACA honored its seniors before the games against Bullock County as Katie Chappell and Jordan Wilson were recognized. Chappell, who was injured during basketball season and has not played all season, was able to participate in game one of the twin bill and drove in two runs in the first inning and picked up a hit to help the cause. The Eagles scored eight in the first and seven in the second for the easy 15-0 three-inning triumph. Anna Williams led the offense with a 2 for 3 game with two runs scored and an RBI. Five other players also scored two runs in the game. Maddie Traywick struck out eight of the nine outs and allowed just one hit to earn the win.

Game two lasted just two innings, but the home team scored all of its runs in the first in the 17-0 demolishing of Bullock County. Seven players scored two runs as Annabelle Pugh led the charge going 2 for 2 with a double and two RBIs. Izzy Warrick hit an inside the park homer and drove in four runs and Anna Gleason had three RBIs. Warrick pitched a perfect two innings with three strikeouts.

On Thursday, ACA went to St James to try and avenge an earlier loss at the hands of the Trojans. St James started their number two pitcher, and eventually used three total pitchers, as their ace had thrown 265 pitches over sixteen innings against LAMP the previous two days. Meanwhile, Izzy Warrick was ready to go for the Lady Eagles. The Trojans struck first with back-to-back two-out singles that led to a 1-0 lead in the opening inning. ACA’s first runs came in the third inning as Lily Sconyers walked and Haley Belcher had a bunt single to put runners on first and third with one out. Campbell Hammett grounded out to drive in the first run and Warrick singled Belcher in to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead. In the fifth inning, St James took advantage of two Eagle errors and regained the lead 3-2. Maddie Traywick tied the game up in the sixth with a two-out single to left that scored Diana Blackburn. The two teams headed to the seventh frame tied, 3-3. Belcher and Hammett led off the seventh with consecutive singles to put ACA in business. A Warrick ground out moved Belcher to third and Anna Williams knocked in the winner with a grounder to second to score Belcher. Warick walked the first batter of the seventh for St James, but set the next three down in order to secure the 4-3 victory.

Haley Belcher finished the game with two hits in three at-bats and scored two runs, including the game winner. Izzy Warrick was 2 for 4 with two stolen bases and an RBI and pitched a complete game for the win as she gave up no earned runs with four strikeouts over seven innings. Campbell Hammett, Maddie Traywick and Anna Williams each drove in a run in the Area win.

Alabama Christian will participate in a tournament in Hoover over the weekend and will open up with Hartselle on Friday afternoon.

ACA Takes Two Out of Three in Area Play

The Lady Eagles began an important stretch in which they are scheduled to play all eight Area games over the next three weeks. Alabama Christian lost to St James on Monday, but bounced back for a doubleheader sweep of BTW-Tuskegee to move to 2-1 in the Area.

ACA committed eight errors against the Trojans which led to nine unearned runs in a 9-1 loss. The top four hitters in the order each collected a hit, but the bottom half of the order went 0 for 13 with six strikeouts. The Eagles hoped to bounce back in a doubleheader on Tuesday against BTW-Tuskegee.

On Elementary Day, Alabama Christian took out their frustrations on an over-matched Tuskegee squad with 15-0 and 16-1 victories. In game one, ACA took advantage of three first-inning errors to jump out to a 10-0 lead and cruised to the three-inning run-rule triumph. Maddie Traywick held the visitors hitless as seven of the nine outs were by strikeout. Izzy Warrick, Lily Sconyers and Traywick each drove in three runs while Campbell Hammett, Anna Gleason and Elizabeth Hall each scored three runs.

Game two was much of the same as ACA took advantage of eight errors to score at will with a 16-1 win. Izzy Warrick paced the offense with a 3 for 4 game with a program record tying two triples, with three RBIs and three runs scored. Campbell Hammett scored four runs and was joined by Diana Blackburn and Anna Gleason with two hits each. The combination in the circle of Warrick and Anna Williams combined to hold BTW to just two hits with seven strikeouts.

Lady Eagles Win Two Games in Spring Break Tournament

Alabama Christian continued to enjoy tournament life as all six of the team’s wins have come in that format this season. ACA defeated Madison Central (MS) and Brentwood (TN) on day one of the tournament but dropped the next two to split the four games.

Maddie Traywick provided a two-out two-run double to propel the Eagles to a 4-3 win over Madison Central in the first game of the day. The Jaguars opened the scoring in the second inning with back-to-back hits for a 1-0 lead. Alabama Christian tied it up in the third as Lily Sconyers drove in Campbell Hammett with a single to left. Madison Central took the lead back in the fourth on a wild pitch and a dropped third strike for a 3-1 advantage. The Lady Eagles scored a run in the bottom half on a Haley Belcher single that scored pinch-runner, Maddie Owens. ACA still trailed going to the bottom of the fifth and needed to score to keep the game alive. After the first two batters were retired, Izzy Warrick and Anna Williams both drew walks to set the table for Traywick. Williams fouled off three two-strike pitches before earning her base. Traywick fell behind with an 0-2 count and worked the count full before doubling to left to drive in the winning runs. The first baseman finished 2 for 3 with two doubles and two RBIs. Izzy Warrick pitched a complete game and picked up the win for the Eagles.

You know it might be your day when you are held without a hit and still win a game. That’s exactly what happened to ACA in a 5-4 victory over Brentwood. After the Bruins took the lead in the top of the second, ACA scored two in the bottom half for a 2-1 lead. After getting two runners on by a walk and a hit batter, both runners scored after a Brentwood error and a passed ball. Alabama Christian extended the lead to 5-1 as the Bruins walked an Eagle and committed two errors to start the inning. All three base runners came around to score. Brentwood scored three runs in the final inning to make it close, but Izzy Warrick shut the door for the victory.

Alabama Christian was held hitless for the second straight game as Austin blanked the Eagles, 7-0. Three ACA errors contributed to six of the seven runs scored by the Black Bears to be unearned. In the final game of the week, ACA was shut out by Hazel Green, 6-0. Annabelle Pugh finished 2 for 2 while Campbell Hammett picked up the team’s other hit in defeat.

Week in Review - Veach Gets First Wins as Head Coach of Softball Program

The Lauren Veach era began this week as the ACA softball season kicked off with a home and home against Elmore County and a weekend tournament in Greenville. The Lady Eagles are very young and inexperienced as only two players, with significant playing time, from last year’s final four team return and nine of the twelve players are freshmen or younger. Despite a rough start the Eagles finished 4-3 for the week with a top four finish in tournament play.

2/22 Elmore County

The bats were held in check as Elmore County blanked the Eagles in the season opener, 11-0. ACA was held to one hit and had only one serious threat to score in the game. Panther pitchers recorded 13 strikeouts on the afternoon. Alabama Christian’s lone hit was by Annabelle Pugh in the fourth inning of the contest.

Annabelle Pugh bats against Elmore County in the season opener.

2/24 at Elmore County

For the second straight game the ACA bats were silenced by Elmore County’s pitching. The home standing Panthers scored in four of the five innings in a 10-0 victory over Alabama Christian. The Eagle attack again mustered just one hit as Maddie Traywick singled in the top of the fourth. ACA never had more than one base runner in any inning.

Izzy Warrick tries to tag the runner out at second.

2/25 Samson

Head Coach Lauren Veach won her first game as leader of the softball program as ACA defeated Samson 4-3 in the opening contest of the weekend tournament in Greenville. The Lady Eagles scored two runs in the top of the first as Izzy Warrick plated Campbell Hammett with an infield ground out and Annabelle Pugh scored on a passed ball. Samson tied it up in the bottom of the fifth and Alabama Christian regained the lead in the top of the sixth as Pugh led off with a double and scored on an Izzy Warrick single to left. The Tigers tied it again in the bottom half to send the game to extra innings. Lily Sconyers knocked in the game winner with a bunt single for the 4-3 triumph.

Annabelle Pugh legs out an infield hit.

Annabelle Pugh led the offense with a 3 for 3 performance with a double, two stolen bases and two runs scored. Lily Sconyers finished 2 for 3 with the key RBI in the game. Izzy Warrick starred in the circle with a complete game win with ten strikeouts and only one walk. The freshman also drove in two of the team’s four runs.

Izzy Warrick picks up the win against Samson.

The offense exploded in game two of the night with fifteen runs in a three-inning 15-1 blowout of Valley. ACA scored seven runs in the first frame as the offense recorded five hits and took advantage of four walks and a hit batter. The batters continued to apply pressure to the Rams as Alabama Christian scored four runs each in the second and third innings.

The Eagles celebrate a scoreless first inning against Valley.

Maddie Traywick pitched two innings to pick up the win while Anna Williams made her pitching debut for the Eagles in the third. Anna Gleason and Izzy Warrick both had two hits to lead the team while six different Lady Eagles scored two runs in the game. Gleason and Traywick both drove in two runs. Annabelle Pugh played in her 100th game for the Alabama Christian program.

Anna Gleason gets a first inning hit.

2/26 Pike County at Greenville Tournament

The Eagles’ momentum carried over from Friday night as they beat Pike County 8-3, aided by seven Bulldog errors. ACA scored in all five innings and applied consistent pressure on the Pike County defense. Anna Williams, who made her pitching debut in the previous game, got the start and her first win as an Eagle. Izzy Warick picked up the save as she dominated in her three innings of work with four strikeouts and retiring all nine batters she faced. Warrick also starred at the plate with two hits in three at bats with three runs scored. Annabelle Pugh scored two runs and Campbell Hammett stole three bases in the victory.

Anna Williams gets her first start in the circle.

2/26 Trinity

ACA finished 3-0 in pool play and gained the top seed as the teams prepared for single elimination bracket play. The Lady Eagles faced in-town rival Trinity in the quarterfinals. The Wildcats opened the game with a solo homer, but Alabama Christian responded with a two-run shot in the bottom half to take a 2-1 lead. Anna Williams continued her breakout weekend with the homer to left to give the Eagles the lead. Trinity tied the game in the third, but once again ACA answered as Williams drove in her third run of the game and Maddie Traywick added another RBI single for a 4-2 advantage. With two outs in the top of the fifth, Alabama Christian committed errors on three straight plays to allow Trinity to take a 5-4 lead. Just like the previous two times the Wildcats scored, ACA answered in the bottom half of the inning as Annabelle Pugh scored on a wild pitch to tie it and Lily Sconyers drove in two with a single to center for the 7-5 win.

Anna Williams enjoys a stroll around the bases after her first homer.

Izzy Warrick pitched a complete game and struck out nine Wildcats to earn the victory and scored three runs to help her cause. Anna Williams was 2 for 2 with a homer and three RBIs while Maddie Traywick finished 2 for 3 with a run driven in. ACA had five different players steal bases as they showed their speed on the bases.

Maddie Traywick waits at first base for the next pitch.

2/26 Red Level

The Eagles advanced to face Red Level in the semifinal round. ACA jumped out to a 1-0 lead after one as Anna Williams singled in Izzy Warrick. The Tigers took the lead in the third with a two-run homer for the one run lead. Annabelle Pugh scored the tying run in the bottom half as Alabama Christian continued to answer after an opponent scored. Red Level hit a solo shot in the fourth and scored two more runs in the fifth to take a 5-2 lead. The Lady Eagles responded with three runs to send the game to extra innings. Campbell Hammett, Pugh and Warrick scored on two infield ground outs and a steal of home to tie it up. Red Level scored on an error in the sixth inning and ACA was unable to answer as the Tigers advanced to the finals with the 6-5 victory.

Izzy Warrick led the team at the plate with a 2 for 2 day with a walk and three stolen bases. Annabelle Pugh scored two runs and stole two bases while Anna Williams drove in two runs. Maddie Traywick started and was relieved by Warrick midway through the contest. The duo combined for 12 strikeouts and only one walk.