Presley Lewis scored four first half goals to pace the offensive attack for the Lady Eagles in an Area contest against LAMP. Katelyn Sutton and Lynleigh Stephen assisted on two of the goals as Alabama Christian held a 4-0 lead at intermission. After a second half goal from LAMP, the Eagles answered with an Olivia Justiss goal, assisted by Lewis, to regain the four goal cushion. Presley Lewis had a hand in all five Eagle goals in the 5-1 triumph.
ACA Closes Area Play With Sweep of BTW-Tuskegee
Alabama Christian finished an undefeated week with a sweep of BTW-Tuskegee. The wins improved the Eagles Area record to 7-1 to finish in a tie with St James in the standings. ACA will be the number two seed from the Area entering the playoffs due to the Trojans winning the tiebreaker earlier in the season.
The regulars played in the first game of the twin bill and dominated BTW with a 17-0 shutout victory. Isaac Warrick threw his second no-hitter of the season as all nine outs were recorded via the strikeout in the mercy-rule game. The senior lefty became the third pitcher in program history with at least 100 strikeouts in a season. Warrick also led the charge at the plate with a 2 for 2 game with two RBIs. Preston Hicks drove in three runs and Hayes Hunt scored three runs while being hit twice in the game.
The backups and several players called up from the JV squad played the second game of the night and continued the good play of the week with a five-inning 11-1 win. Hunter Barfoot pitched four innings for the win and Landon Nelson finished the Eagles off in the fifth. Barfoot sparked the offense with a 2 for 3 effort. Hayes Hunt scored three runs while Mac Moorer drove in four Eagles. Moorer, Ari Bowman and AC Walters each collected their first varsity hit of the season.
ACA will finish the regular season Monday at PCA before traveling to Gordo for the first round of the playoffs.
Good Day to Be an Eagle - Baseball, Golf, Soccer and Softball All Win on Tuesday
Five teams with five home games/matches equaled five victories Tuesday as Alabama Christian enjoyed a very successful day. Baseball and soccer celebrated Senior Day while the softball team wore special jerseys as they recognized ovarian cancer awareness and the golf team defeated its opponent.
After sweeping a doubleheader on Monday from Bullock County, ACA continued their good play with a 13-2 defeat of Lee High School. Several seniors led the way as JT Moorer went 3 for 3 with two doubles and three RBIs and Isaac Warrick homered for the second consecutive day with a two-run shot in the first. Carson Horn finished the night 2 for 3 with three runs scored and an RBI while Thomas Stovall went 2 for 4 with a run driven in.
The girls soccer team crushed BTW-Magnet 11-1 as Lynleigh Stephen scored on Senior Night. Katelyn Sutton led the offense with seven goals and Chloe Jordan added three more in the mercy-rule shortened game. The boys defeated the Yellow Jackets, too, 8-0 in the nightcap. Seniors Andrew Whang and Sean Moffett scored goals along with Tommy Sutterfield (2), Tyson Summers, Hayden Casto, Karson Oakley and Cole Henry.
The softball team got a much needed victory with a 15-2 defeat of Opelika. The Lady Eagles scored in every inning in the run-rule shortened game. Izzy Warrick earned the victory with five strikeouts over five innings and helped herself at the plate with two hits and three runs scored. Campbell Hammett went 3 for 4 with three runs scored while Diana Blackburn was 2 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Annabelle Pugh provided the power at the plate with a homer and a double as she drove in five runs.
The boys golf team defeated Brew Tech in a nine-hole match at Arrowhead Country Club with Andrew Whang leading the way as the low medalist for the day with a score of 39. Brigg Matildo followed with a 43 and Josh Kreitz shot a 44 to round out the top three for the Eagles.
ACA Spring Sports Week in Review - Tennis Defeats Brew Tech and BTW
Tennis
The Lady Eagles defeated both Brew Tech (6-3) and BTW (8-1) in action this week. Against Brew Tech, Paige Henry (8-6), Alyson Thornton (8-0), Emma Rives (8-3) and Ava Burgess (8-5) won their singles matches. in doubles competition, the teams of Dean/Henry (8-1) and Thornton/Burgess (8-2) were victorious. Against BTW, Ava Rose Dean (8-0), Ann Welch Hilyer (8-6), Alyson Thornton (8-0), Emma Rives (8-2) and Layney Adams (8-4) won their singles matches while all three doubles pairs were triumphant.
Soccer
The boys soccer team split the week with a win and a loss. The Eagles completed the season sweep of St James with a 1-0 decision over the Trojans, but lost to MA, 0-10. The girls lost both matches this week to St James and MA, but continue to gain valuable experience. Marcy Gregory continued her good work in the net with 44 saves in the two games.
Golf
On Monday, Julie Waldo finished first in a nine-hole event with a 37 against MA at the Lagoon Park Golf Course. Later in the week, the boys team defeated PCA at Lagoon with Andrew Whang posting the low score of the day.
Eagles Drop Two of Three to St James
Last year, ACA dropped game one of the series with St James, but swept a doubleheader at home to win the tie-breaker on their way to the Area title. This year, St James turned the tables as they dropped the opener on Thursday, but responded with a sweep of Alabama Christian on Friday to take command of the Area race. The Eagles won the first game of the three game series, 1-0, in a pitcher’s duel. On Friday, ACA blew late leads and watched the Trojans score the winning run in the bottom of the seventh twice.
In a baseball rarity, both pitchers threw no-hitters on Thursday as the starters dominated. Isaac Warrick tied his season high for the second time this year with 13 strikeouts. The lone run of the game was in the bottom of the third as Thomas Stovall reached base on a wild pitch on a third strike. Hayes Hunt followed with a ground ball to first which was booted to put runners at second and third. Preston Hicks hit an 0-1 pitch to second base that scored Stovall with the eventual game-winning run. The Eagles would head to St James on Friday with first place in the Area on the line.
JT Moorer took the ball for the Eagles in the second game of the series and allowed two first-inning runs after a walk and a hit batter to start the game. The Eagles responded in the top of the second as Isaac Warrick and Hunter Barfoot opened the frame with back-to-back singles. Warrick scored on a Landon Nelson grounder to cut the lead in half. Moorer settled in and the score remained 2-1 into the sixth inning as the starter helped himself with a key base knock. With two outs and the bases loaded, Moorer hit the first pitch he saw into left field to give ACA a 3-2 lead. Two errors with one out in the home half of the inning gave St James life and the Trojans retook the lead 4-3 heading into the seventh. Alabama Christian scratched a run across in the seventh as Preston Hicks scored on a Trey Schlemmer double to tie the game, 4-4. Unfortunately, the Eagles left Schlemmer at second as three straight batters were unable to move the runner. After allowing Trojans to reach second and third with one out, ACA intentionally walked the bases loaded for a force at any base. The St James batter hit a fly ball deep enough to left to drive home the winning run and a 5-4 victory over ACA.
JT Moorer picked up the loss as he went the distance allowing only two earned while striking out seven Trojans. Isaac Warrick finished with two hits in four at bats with two runs scored while three other Eagles, Hayes Hunt, Preston Hicks and Hunter Barfoot, each had two hits.
Alabama Christian looked to regain the momentum in the tie-breaker and jumped to an early 2-0 lead. With two outs in the first, Trey Schlemmer and Isaac Warrick both knocked in runs for the two-run advantage. The Trojans answered with four runs in the bottom half to erase any early energy ACA had generated. Hayes Hunt helped his own cause in the second with a two-run triple to tie the game, 4-4. Like Moorer, Hunt settled down after a rough first inning and kept St James off the scoreboard until the sixth inning. Meanwhile, ACA added single runs in each of the next three innings to build a 7-4 lead after five innings. In the top of the sixth, the Eagles tacked on three more runs as Preston Hicks, Schlemmer and Warrick all delivered run scoring singles for a seemingly insurmountable lead. Errors again hurt ACA as St James scored four runs in the sixth, two on errors, to cut the lead to 10-8. ACA failed to score for the first time in the game in the seventh and clung to a two-run lead. Starting pitcher, Hayes Hunt, had reached his pitch limit after six innings and Hunter Barfoot entered the game in a pressure packed situation. St James took advantage and scored three runs in their half of the seventh to take the game, the series and control of the Area standings.
Trey Schlemmer went 2 for 4 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored. Isaac Warrick was 2 for 3 with two runs driven in and two runs scored. Hayes Hunt pitched six innings with five strikeouts and gave up three earned runs while Hunter Barfoot got the loss in relief.
ACA Spring Sports Week in Review - Boys Golf Wins Match Over Pike Road and LAMP
Golf
The boys team defeated Pike Road by three strokes at the Robert Trent Jones course in Prattville on Tuesday. Andrew Whang led the charge with a round of 78 followed by Josh Kreitz (91), Mitchell Hagan (92), Hayes Finch (94) and Brady Smith (94).
Boys Soccer
The Eagles split two Area games on the week with a 3-1 loss to LAMP and a penalty kick victory over St James. Against LAMP, Tommy Sutterfield scored in the second half for the team’s only goal, assisted by Tyson Summers. Emmett Sanford recorded ten saves. On Saturday, neither ACA or St James could score as Sanford had 15 saves in regulation time and one in the extra session. The Eagles outscored St James 4-2 in the penalty shootout as Sean Moffett, Baillie Johnson, Karson Oakley and Marcus Kim found the net.
Track and Field
Saturday, the track and field team participated in the Race Against Hunger meet at MA. D’Andre Sneed finished second in high jump clearing 5’ 10”. In the girls competition, Kate Finch continued her excellence in middle and long distances. Finch finished second (13:07.87) in the 3200, third (5:57.72) in the 1600 and fourth (2:45.30) in the 800. Auumn Jackson finished fifth in the triple jump with a distance of 29’ 7”.
Girls Soccer
The girls team dropped two Area games against tough competition. Coach Ivey knows her young Eagles are gaining valuable experience this year despite the tough results. The Lady Eagles dropped a close 3-2 overtime loss to LAMP to start the week. Neither team scored in the first half and the contest ended in a 2-2 tie in regulation. Chloe Jordan and Katelyn Sutton scored the ACA goals while Marcy Gregory had seven saves. Alabama Christian was shut out against St James on Saturday as the Trojans won 6-0. Gregory had 24 saves in the contest.
ACA Extends Winning Streak to Seven Games
After winning three consecutive games last week, the Eagles stayed hot with a 4-0 record this week to bring their win streak to seven. On Monday, Alabama Christian defeated Catholic in a back and forth affair, 12-11. Thursday began a home and home with LAMP to start Area play. ACA handled the Golden Tigers easily with wins of 13-2, 11-1 and 10-0.
Alabama Christian began the week with a wild game at Catholic as the lead changed six times in a 12-11 win over the Knights. The Eagles used four pitchers and Hayes Hunt picked up the win in relief as he pitched the final two innings. ACA scored two runs in the top of the seventh to come from behind in the one-run victory. The Eagles loaded the bases with an error, a single and an intentional walk. JT Moorer and Thomas Stovall were hit in back-to-back at-bats to score the tying and winning runs. It was the third time Stovall had been hit in the contest and the second time with the bases loaded.
Hayes Hunt led the offense with a 3 for 5 day including a double and an RBI. Carson Horn and Landon Nelson each had two hits while Isaac Warrick scored three runs. Thomas Stovall drove in three runs and tied Reese Solar for the school record of most times to be hit in a game.
ACA made a strong statement against LAMP in game one of the series with five first inning runs. Preston Hicks got the scoring started with a single to center that scored Thomas Stovall. After a walk to Trey Schlemmer loaded the bases, the LAMP starter gave free passes to Hunter Barfoot and Carson Horn in consecutive at-bats for a 3-0 lead. Landon Nelson drove in the fourth run of the frame and the final run scored from an error on the same play to put the Eagles in command, 5-0. Alabama Christian scored three more in the second, highlighted by a two-run triple by Isaac Warrick and three more in the third as LAMP pitching walked three straight batters with the bases loaded for an 11-0 lead after three. Both teams scored two runs in the last two frames for the 13-2 final tally.
Three Eagles collected two hits in the contest as Isaac Warrick went 2 for 3 with a triple, four RBIs and two runs scored. Preston Hicks went 2 for 3 with two runs driven in and two runs scored while Hayes Hunt finished 2 for 4 with three runs scored. Hunter Barfoot drove in three runs while Thomas Stovall and Trey Schlemmer each scored tow runs. Barfoot picked up the win in relief as Warrick was pulled early so he could be used again later in the series.
Game two moved to ACA’s home field and again the Eagles pounced early with four runs in the first. Landon Nelson provided the key hit in the inning with a two-out, two-run single for a 4-0 advantage. After allowing an unearned run in the top of the third, the Eagles responded by scoring multiple runs in each of the next three innings for the 11-1 triumph. The final blow was a two-run single by Hayes Hunt that scored Nelson and JT Moorer.
Isaac Warrick picked up the win as he started for the Eagles for the second straight day. The lefty struck out 13 Tigers over five innings and allowed just two hits and one unearned run. At the plate, Hayes Hunt and Preston Hicks led the way with two hits and two runs scored each. Landon Nelson drove in three runs while Warrick and Hunter Barfoot each scored twice.
With the series won and only the tie-breaker game left, ACA’s bats started slowly in the final game against LAMP. Luckily, Hayes Hunt was putting up zeros on the mound and the game remained tied 0-0 going to the bottom of the third. In the bottom half, with two outs and a runner on first, seven consecutive Eagle batters reached safely and seven runs scored as the game was blown open. The first two runs were delivered by Trey Schlemmer’s single to left and the final two by Kellen Kendrick’s triple to center. With the game in hand, Hunt kept LAMP off the scoreboard and the Eagles beat the visitors by a 10-0 score.
Hayes Hunt and Trey Schlemmer led the team with two hits apiece. Four players, Schlemmer, Isaac Warrick, Hunter Barfoot and Kellen Kendrick, drove in two runs and three players, Hunt, Schlemmer and Preston Hicks scored two runs. Hunt got the win with five shutout innings as he allowed just one hit with five strikeouts.
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.
Alabama Christian Wins Three in a Row
The Eagles enjoyed their most successful week of the season by winning all three games played and improving to a winning record of nine wins and eight losses. The week started with a win over Lee on Monday, 11-0, then a doubleheader sweep of Brew Tech, 5-0 and 15-3.
3/21 – at Lee (Paterson Field)
Isaac Warrick tossed a one-hitter in a game that was scoreless through the first four innings. The left-hander shut out the Generals over six innings with 11 punch outs and only one walk. The offense made up for not scoring early by plating eleven runs over the final two frames for the run-rule victory. After JT Moorer scored on a passed ball for the first run of the game, Preston Hicks and Trey Schlemmer produced consecutive singles to stretch the lead to 4-0. Warrick followed Schlemmer with a run scoring triple and later scored on a Hunter Barfoot hit to finish the six-run inning. The offense continued to produce in the sixth as the Eagles hung a five-spot on the board. Hicks and Schlemmer struck again with back-to-back run-scoring hits to make the score 8-0. The next two runs were scored as Barfoot was hit with the bases loaded and Carson Horn drew a walk to stretch the lead to ten runs. The final run scored on a Landon Nelson RBI groundout for the final 11-0 margin. Hicks, Schlemmer and Barfoot led the attack with two hits and two RBIs apiece while five players scored two runs on the night.
3/22 – Brew Tech Game 1
Not to be outdone by his fellow senior pitcher, JT Moorer followed up Isaac Warrick’s Monday outing with a gem of his own in a 5-0 defeat of Brew Tech. The right-hander pitched seven innings and held the Rams to two hits with eight strikeouts. Alabama Christian scored all five of its runs in the third inning as Thomas Stovall led off with a double to left and scored on Hayes Hunt’s single for the first run of the game. Preston Hicks knocked in Hunt and later scored himself on a passed ball. The final two runs scored on an RBI groundout by Hunter Barfoot and a passed ball that allowed Warrick to score. Moorer kept the visitors off the board from there, despite having runners on base every inning. Hunt paced the offense going 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI.
Brew Tech Game 2
Starter Hayes Hunt gave up a run in the top of the first, but the offense responded with six runs in the bottom half to take control of the second game of the doubleheader. Thomas Stovall tied the game after reaching on an error and coming around to later score on a passed ball. The Eagles scored the next five runs with two outs highlighted by a Hunter Barfoot two-run triple and a two-run single by JT Moorer. ACA added four runs in the fourth to stretch the lead to 12-3. Carson Horn drove in two with a single to left and Kellen Kendrick knocked another in with a single. Moorer delivered his second two-run single of the night to extend the lead to nine runs. In the bottom of the fifth, the Eagles needed just one run to end it due to the ten-run mercy rule. Preston Hicks and Trey Schlemmer got on to start the inning and Isaac Warrick finished it in grand fashion with a three-run shot to center field for the 15-3 triumph. Hunt picked up the win with a five-inning effort in which he allowed two earned runs with five strikeouts. Moorer finished 3 for 3 with a season high four RBIs while Schlemmer also went 3 for 3 with three runs scored. Horn finished with two hits and three runs scored.
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.
ACA Splits Four Games in Gulf Shores
The ACA baseball team enjoyed a trip to the beach for spring break as they competed in a tournament in Gulf Shores. The Eagles finished 2-2 on the week with wins over McAlester (OK) and Madison County and losses to Gallatin (TN) and Summit (TN).
Isaac Warrick opened the tournament with an impressive outing in a 5-1 defeat of McAlester (OK). The senior lefty limited the Buffalos to four hits over seven innings with a season high 13 strikeouts. The Eagles opened the scoring in the second frame as Warrick tripled after a Trey Schlemmer single and scored on an infield error for a 2-0 lead. Preston Hicks helped tack on a third run as he hit a 1-0 pitch to center field for a double that scored Thomas Stovall in the next inning. ACA scored its last two runs of the game in the fourth inning as Landon Nelson and JT Moorer hit back-to-back, one-out singles and were driven in as Hayes Hunt tripled to right for a 5-1 advantage. Warrick closed the door from there as only four McAlester batters reached safely over the last four innings of the contest. Thomas Stovall led the offense with two hits while Hayes Hunt led the team with two RBIs.
The Eagles dropped game two of the day as Gallatin (TN) scored two runs in the seventh for a 6-4 win over ACA. The contest was riddled with errors as both teams combined for 12 miscues and only three of the ten runs scored in the game against the pitchers were earned. Alabama Christian struck first with two runs in the first as Thomas Stovall led off the game with a single followed by Hayes Hunt reaching on an infield error. An errant throw from the pitcher trying to pick off Hunt at first scored Stovall and moved him to third where he scored on an RBI ground out from Preston Hicks. Gallatin scored in the second to cut the lead in half, 2-1. The Eagles got it back in the bottom half as JT Moorer singled with two outs and later scored as he moved to second on a passed ball, to third on a wild pitch and finally home on an infield error. Gallatin scored one in the third and two in the fifth to take a 4-3 lead, but ACA tied it on a Trey Schlemmer double that scored Preston Hicks. Hunter Barfoot relieved Hayes Hunt in the seventh as the starter had reached his pitch limit after six innings. The Green Wave scored two runs in the seventh without recording a hit to take a 6-4 lead and the Eagles could not respond in their last at-bat for the two-run loss. The middle of the lineup (Preston Hicks, Trey Schlemmer and Isaac Warrick) led the offense with a combined 6 for 9 effort with two RBIs. Hayes Hunt pitched six innings and allowed no earned runs with six strikeouts. Hunter Barfoot was charged with the loss in relief.
After being rained out on Tuesday, ACA played Wednesday evening against Madison County. The Eagles were victorious 12-0 in the five-inning run-rule contest. Senior JT Moorer looked sharp as he held the Tigers to three hits with nine strikeouts in a complete-game effort. Hayes Hunt and Preston Hicks led the offense with two hits apiece. Four Eagles (Hunt, Hicks, Trey Schlemmer and Carson Horn) drove in at least two runs as Alabama Christian reached double digits for the third time on the year. The Eagles loaded the bases on walks in the first inning, but consecutive strikeouts kept the good guys off the board. In the second, ACA loaded the bases via the base on balls again and took advantage as they scored four runs in the frame. Thomas Stovall drew the fourth walk to drive in the first run while Trey Schlemmer hit a sac fly for the fourth run. In between, Preston Hicks delivered a two-run double that scored Landon Nelson and Moorer. Run producing singles by Moorer and Hayes Hunt extended the lead to 6-0 in the third inning. The Eagles blew the game open in the fifth as they scored six times for a twelve-run cushion. After the first two batters were retired, eight straight batters reached safely with five hits, two walks and a hit batter.
The Eagles finished the week with a Thursday afternoon matchup against Summit (TN). The two teams played an exciting back and forth game with the Spartans coming out on top 5-4 as they scored two runs in the sixth. Landon Nelson got the start and pitched well as Summit scored an unearned run in the first and added two more in the second for an early 3-0 lead. The bats were silent for ACA as the team managed just one hit through the first three innings and scored a run in the fourth without the benefit of a hit. In the bottom of the fifth, Hayes Hunt started a rally with a single followed by a rare walk for Preston Hicks. Trey Schlemmer gave his team the lead with one swing of the bat as he sent a two-strike pitch over the left field wall for a 4-3 lead. Summit regained the lead in their next at-bat as the game-winning run scored on a balk for a 5-4 advantage. ACA went 1-2-3 in the bottom half and the victory belonged to the Spartans. Schlemmer led the offense with his three-run blast and Isaac Warrick reached base in all three plate appearances with a single and two walks. Landon Nelson pitched five innings with nine strikeouts in a nice effort for the team.
ACA Spring Sports Week in Review - Finch Continues to Impress in Outdoor Season
3/12 - Track and Field
The track team started their spring break on a bitterly cold Saturday morning at the Wetumpka Invitational. The meet was the biggest, in terms of the number of participants, that ACA had competed in this spring. Kate Finch won events in the first two meets this season and continued to run well with second place finishes in the 800 and 1600 meter runs. The sophomore was one of two runners to break the three minute mark in the 800m run with a time of 2:53.75 and produced a time of 6:21.84 in the 1600m race.
3/10 - Golf
The golf team finished in third place at the Capital City Conference golf tournament at Wynlakes, finishing behind Trinity and MA while besting St James and Catholic. Andrew Whang (80) and Julie Waldo (81) were both named to the all-tournament team with Top 5 finishes.
3/10 - Soccer
Both the boys and girls teams had games rained out on Tuesday and suffered tough shutout losses to MA on Thursday. Both ACA goalies were under a constant barrage of shots and finished with season highs in saves. Emmett Sanford had 22 saves and Marcy Gregory saved 26 in the girls game. Gregory even drew the praise of the MA staff after the game with her effort.
ACA Baseball Week in Review - Warrick No-Hits Jeff Davis
Alabama Christian played two games this week heading into spring break. The Eagles defeated Jeff Davis 13-0, thanks to Isaac Warricks’s effort on the mound, and fell to Trinity 6-12 on Friday.
3-10 Jeff Davis
Isaac Warrick dominated Jeff Davis as he held the visitors without a hit and was one fourth-inning walk away from a perfect game. The senior lefty struck out twelve Volunteers over five innings as he overwhelmed his opponent. After scoring two runs in the first, ACA broke the game open with six runs in the second inning for a commanding 8-0 advantage. Trey Schlemmer delivered a two-run double for the big blow for the Eagles. Alabama Christian tacked on five more runs over the next three frames for the 13-0 win. Thomas Stovall tied a school record with four runs scored on the afternoon, a mark that has only been accomplished twice over the past twenty years.
Isaac Warrick enjoys a moment after his no-hitter on Thursday.
3-11 at Trinity
After playing the Wildcats to a 1-0 final two weeks ago, ACA looked to even the score at Trinity. The Wildcats struck first with three runs in the first to take an early lead. The Eagles tied the contest in the top of the fourth. The frame started with two singles and a hit batter to load the bases with no outs. Trinity gave away the three runs with two more hit batters and an error over the next four at-bats to allow ACA to tie the score 3-3. Trinity immediately took the lead back in the bottom half and broke the game open after a pitching change in the bottom of the fifth with five more runs. The Wildcats added three more insurance runs for a 12-3 lead after six innings. The Eagles scored three in the seventh as Landon Nelson drove in the last run of the game in the 6-12 loss. Preston Hicks and Isaac Warrick led the offense with two hits apiece while Hunter Barfoot drove in two runs.
Thomas Stovall gets hit in the first at bat of the game.
ACA Baseball Week in Review - Moorer Helps Eagles Win Two
JT Moorer started the week with a game-winning hit on Monday and finished it with a one-hit complete-game gem on Saturday in the Jason Armstrong FCA Tournament.
The team celebrates the game-winning hit against Reeltown.
2/28 Reeltown
The Eagles looked to get back in the win column against Reeltown after a tough weekend. With the FCA Tournament looming, some other pitchers on the roster would get a chance to throw against the visiting Rebels. Reeltown struck in the first with two runs and again in the third with two more runs for a 4-0 lead headed to the bottom of the third. ACA took advantage of three walks and a passed ball to cut the lead to 4-1 after three. In the fifth, Isaac Warrick walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch then scored on an outfield error with two outs to cut the Reeltown lead to 4-2. The Rebels got the run back in the sixth to extend the lead back to three runs. As the bottom of the seventh approached, Alabama Christian still trailed 5-2. Landon Nelson led off with a double to left and later scored the first run of the inning on a Warrick sac fly. Hayes Hunt was hit by pitch and advanced to second on a groundout for the second out. Trey Schlemmer singled to center and moved to second on the throw to give the Eagles runners on second and third with two outs. Preston Hicks doubled to center, scoring both Hunt and Schlemmer to tie the game, 5-5. Senior JT Moorer did not let the opportunity pass as he singled an 0-1 pitch to center field for the game-winner in the 6-5 victory.
JT Moorer gets ready to hit in the bottom of the seventh.
Hunter Barfoot picked up the win with five solid innings of relief as he allowed just one run and scattered five hits. Preston Hicks finished 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs to lead the offense. JT Moorer went 1 for 2 with two walks and the biggest RBI of the night. Isaac Warrick scored two runs out of the nine-spot to help the effort.
Hunter Barfoot pitches in relief on Monday.
3/3 Tallassee (FCA Tournament)
The offense could only muster a JT Moorer single to lead off the seventh inning in a 3-1 loss to Tallassee. The Eagles scored their only run in the first inning as Thomas Stovall walked and later scored on a Trey Schlemmer sac fly to right for a 1-0 lead. Tallassee tied it in the fourth as they strung together three singles and took the lead the next inning with two more runs. Hayes Hunt went the distance for ACA as he gave up two earned runs and struck out six over seven innings.
Thomas Stovall slides safely into third.
3-4 Chilton County (FCA Tournament)
Chilton County scored two runs late to beat ACA 4-2 in Friday night action in the FCA Tournament. The Eagles opened the scoring in the second frame as Isaac Warrick knocked in Trey Schlemmer with two outs. In the top of the third Chilton County scored twice to take a 2-1 lead. Alabama Christian tied it in the bottom half as Schlemmer singled in Preston Hicks. No batter reached base safely over the next two innings as the game remained tied heading to the sixth. The Tigers scored a run in the sixth without the benefit of a hit and scored on a wild pitch in the seventh for the final 4-2 margin. Isaac Warrick took the loss although he allowed only two earned runs and struck out eleven over six innings. Hunter Barfoot and Trey Schlemmer both had two hits to lead the offense.
Trey Schlemmer is fired up after knocking in two runs.
3/5 Wilson (FCA Tournament)
ACA opened the scoring in the third inning as six consecutive batters reached safely after one out to take a 4-0 lead. Hunter Barfoot and Kellen Kendrick both had run scoring hits in the inning. The offense tacked on five more runs in the fourth as Preston Hicks, Isaac Warrick and Barfoot all drove in runs for a commanding nine run lead. Both teams added a run late for the final margin of 10-1. JT Moorer pitched seven sparkling innings as he allowed just one hit with seven strikeouts to earn the win. Thomas Stovall, Preston Hicks and Hunter Barfoot all produced two hits to lead the team. Isaac Warrick drove in four runs as four different players scored two runs in the Saturday morning contest.
Kellen Kendrick makes an out in foul territory.
Week in Review - Spring Sports
Girls Soccer
The Lady Eagles had a great week as they outscored their opponents 20-0 over two games as twelve different players scored goals on the week.
2/28 Park Crossing
Alabama Christian got back in the win column with a 10-0 shutout of Park Crossing. Seven Eagles found the net as Chloe Jordan, Lynleigh Stephens and Marcy Gregory each had two goals. Wynter Prempramot, Olivia Justiss, Rachel Rine and Dannica Yates each had single goals in the victory.
3/3 BTW-Magnet
The Lady Eagles repeated the performance earlier in the week with their second 10-0 victory as they beat BTW Magnet by ten goals. Katelyn Sutton made her return to the field after sustaining an injury during basketball season. Sutton scored two goals including a header on an assist from Anna Prempramot. Presley Lewis led the team with four goals while Anna Prempramot, Addison Elder, Chloe Jordan and Lynleigh Stpehens each added a goal.
Track and Field
2/28 Monday MAdness 1 at MA
Alabama Christian opened the outdoor track and field season at the Monday MAdness 1 held at MA. In the girl’s division, Kate Finch won the 800m run with a time of 2:51.21, beating her closest competitor by four seconds and Tabby Thompson finished second in the discus with a throw of 77’ 8”. For the boys, Garrett Weathers placed second in the 400m dash with a time of 52.34 seconds and Taylor Williams finished in fifth place in the shot put with a throw of 33’ 2”, missing out on third place by just two inches.
3-4 Charles Henderson Meet at Troy University
On Friday, the track team traveled to Troy for the Charles Henderson Meet. Kate Finch dominated the middle and long distance races with first place finishes in the 800 (2:46.54), 1600 (6:15.32) and 3200 (13:17.51) meter runs. Abby Zenor helped the Eagles finish 1-2 in the 1600m run with a second place performance. Rachel Rine placed fourth in the 400m dash with a time of 1:07.27 while Tabby Thompson finished fourth in the discus (70’ 2”) and Autumn Jackson finished fifth in the triple jump (25’ 8”). In the boys division, Garrett Weathers finished fourth in the 400m (55.6) and the 4x400 relay team finished fourth with a time of 3:52.33.
Boys Soccer
The boys split two this week falling to Trinity 0-5 before bouncing back with an 8-0 win over BTW Magnet.
2/28 Trinity
The Wildcat defense stifled Alabama Christian as both teams struggled to score in the first half. Trinity led 1-0 at the half and added four second half goals to pull away from the Eagles. Emmett Sanford had a season high 18 saves in the net.
3/3 BTW-Magnet
The Eagles hosted BTW Magnet on Thursday and shut the Jackets out, 8-0. ACA led 3-0 at the break and added to the lead in the second half for an 8-0 win. Tommy Sutterfield led the attack with five goals while Hayden Casto, Cole Henry and Marcus Kim each scored one. Phillip Whang and Baillie Johnson both had two assists while Marcus Kim and Sean Moffett both had one assist. Emmett Sanford had just one save on the night as the defense kept BTW away from the net.
Tennis
3/1 at Charles Henderson
The tennis team lost to Charles Henderson 3-6 in a match on Tuesday. The top two seeded singles players Ava Rose Dean (6-2, 7-6) and Ann Welch Hilyer (6-1, 6-4) both won their match while the doubles team of Dean/Paige Henry (10-1) won their doubles match.
Golf
2/28 thru 3/1 – Wynlakes Invitational
Andrew Whang led the Eagles with a two-day total of 162 at the Wynlakes Invitational in Montgomery. Mitchell Hagan followed with a 198, Josh Kreitz shot 206, Hayes Finch 216 and Brady Smith 229.
3/3 Pike Road
Julie Waldo finished second against Pike Road with a 41 over nine holes at Arrowhead.
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.
Week in Review - Spring Sports
Boys Soccer
The boys team enjoyed their most successful week of the season as they tied Catholic and beat Brew Tech.
2/22 at Catholic
ACA fell behind 2-0 at the half and after another Catholic goal in the second half trailed by three goals before the Eagle offense came to life and scored three second half goals to salvage a 3-3 tie with the Knights. Tommy Sutterfield (2) and Sean Moffett (1) combined for the team’s three goals to even the score. Austin Cook and Emmett Sanford both spent a half in goal against the home team.
Austin Cook clears the ball against Catholic.
2/24 at Brew Tech
The Eagles jumped out to a two-goal lead in the first half and led 2-1 at intermission against Brew Tech. The offense tacked on two more goals in the second half for a 4-1 defeat of the Rams. The four goals scored was a season high for ACA. Tommy Sutterfield scored three goals for the Eagles while Sean Moffett scored the fourth. Tyson Summers had two assists and goalie Emmett Sanford picked up the win with 10 saves.
Girls Soccer
2/22 at Catholic
The Lady Eagles only game of the week was on Tuesday at Catholic. The Knights built a 3-0 first half lead and won the match by a score of 4-1. Presley Lewis scored the only goal for ACA, her fifth of the year. Marcy Gregory recorded 20 saves in goal against a steady barrage of shots from Catholic.
The Eagle defense tries to stop the Catholic attack.
Golf
2/25 LAMP and Pike Road at Arrowhead
The boys golf team beat Pike Road by five strokes and LAMP by thirty-eight strokes in a nine hole tri-match at Arrowhead on Friday. Andrew Whang shot 41 to lead ACA and finished second overall. Hayes Finch (45) and Mitchell Hagan (48) both shot under 50 on the day. Julie Waldo, Alabama Christian’s lone female golfer, tied for low medalist with a 39 in the girls competition.
Andrew Whang lines up a putt.
ACA Beats Catholic in Season Opener
After having their home opener rained out last week, Alabama Christian defeated Catholic 5-3 in the first game of the season. Hayes Hunt looked strong on the mound with four solid innings and the offense scored in four of the first five innings to build a 5-0 lead. The visiting Knights had the tying runs in scoring position in the top of the seventh, but Isaac Warrick shut the door to pick up the save.
After Catholic went three up and three down in the first, ACA scored the first two runs of the game on consecutive fielder’s choices by Preston Hicks and JT Moorer that plated Isaac Warrick and Trey Schlemmer. The Eagles continued to manufacture runs in the second frame as Hayes Hunt delivered a sac fly that scored Carson Horn for a 3-0 advantage. in the fourth, Schlemmer was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to score ACA’s fourth run. The team’s last run came as Landon Nelson doubled down the right field line that scored Moorer.
The Knights answered late in the contest with a two-run blast in the sixth off JT Moorer to cut the score to 5-2. Isaac Warrick came in to pitch the final inning, but Catholic continued to fight and cut the lead to 5-3 on a passed ball with the bases loaded. All runners advanced to give Catholic runners on second and third with two outs and a chance to tie the game with a base hit. Warrick struck out the final batter to preserve the two-run victory to open the season.
Hayes Hunt kept the Catholic hitters off balance as he earned the win, allowing two hits with eight strikeouts over four innings. The eight and nine hitters sparked the offense as both Landon Nelson and Thomas Stovall finished 2 for 3 on the night.
Alabama Christian will play another in-town rival as they host Trinity Friday night in their next contest.
ACA Falls at Bibb County in Sub-Regionals
The Lady Eagles reached the Sub-regionals in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2011 with the runner-up finish in the Class 4A Area 5 tournament. On Monday, ACA traveled to Centreville, AL to take on the Area 6 champs from Bibb County. A win would mean a spot in the Regionals, but a defeat would be the end of the season.
Bibb County overpowered the Eagles as the home standing Choctaws built a 40-6 halftime lead. In the second half, Bibb County subbed freely which allowed Alabama Christian to make the final tally closer. The Lady Choctaws won the game by a final score of 60-34 and were led by Chartavia Conwell who poured in 30 points, 22 in the first half. Junior Rachel Rine led the Eagles with 15 points, all in the second half while Jaide Newkirk finished with eight points.
Although it was a rough ending to the season, there is optimism in the girl's program as Augusta Guthrie heads into her second year at the helm. For much of the year the starting five had one junior (Rine) and three freshmen (Newkirk, Katelyn Sutton and Izzy Warrick) who will bring another year of experience with them next season. In addition, Annabelle Pugh (10th) and Campbell Hammett (8th) provided crucial minutes at the end of the season and gained valuable experience.
ACA Falls to LAMP in Area Finals at the Buzzer
A lot was on the line Thursday night as Alabama Christian and LAMP played for the 4A Area 5 championship. ACA was trying to win the title for the second year in a row, which hadn’t been done since 2010, and LAMP was shooting for its first Area championship in program history. Also, both teams were hoping to avoid the 90 minute road trip, if they lost, for the Sub-regional round.
Both teams were tight early and it took almost two minutes for either team to score a basket. Once the offense settled in, the Lady Eagles connected on four 3-pointers in the first period and took a 14-8 lead after one. Alabama Christian led by as many as thirteen points in the second quarter as Rachel Rine gave the Eagles a 30-17 lead late in the half. LAMP scored the last four points of the period and trailed 30-21 at the half.
ACA looked tired in the third quarter while LAMP had more energy coming out of the locker room. In one stretch, the Eagles did not score for over five minutes and LAMP built a 37-32 lead with 1:38 left in the quarter. The Golden Tigers took a 44-36 lead into the fourth as they outscored ACA 23-6 in the quarter. Alabama Christian’s starting five played the vast majority of the game and the fatigue showed in the second half.
The Lady Eagles still trailed by eight with 1:59 left in the game when they made a furious comeback fueled by determination and adrenaline. Rachel Rine hit one of three free throws to cut the lead to 45-52. After an Izzy Warrick steal, Annabelle Pugh was fouled with 1:38 on the clock as she tried to score after an offensive rebound. Pugh hit one of two free throws, but Jaide Newkirk rebounded the miss and scored to cut the lead to 48-52. LAMP missed the front end of a one and one with 1:13 left. Rine threw the ball the length of the court and found Warrick for a layup to make the score 50-52 with 1:05 left. The Golden Tigers missed another one and one opportunity and fouled Warrick with 38.1 seconds remaining. Warrick hit one of two and the lead was cut to one. After an Eagle foul, LAMP hit one free throw for a two point lead. Newkirk was fouled with 29.3 seconds left and hit both free throws to tie the game, 53-53. With 5.6 seconds left, ACA fouled LAMP, but the visitors missed both free throws, but the ball was knocked out of bounds with 2.2 seconds left. LAMP scored on the inbound play as the buzzer sounded and took home the title with a 55-53 win over the Eagles.
Rachel Rine scored a season high 26 points with 5 rebounds and four assists. Campbell Hammett scored 11 points with five boards while Izzy Warrick had eight points and seven rebounds and Jaide Newkirk had seven points and nine rebounds.
Alabama Christian will travel to Bibb County on Monday, February 14th, for the Sub-regional round of the playoffs.