Albany Herald

Photo by Danny Aller

DAMASCUS -- Fresh off its first region title in fast-pitch history, the Southwest Georgia Academy Lady Warriors softball team opened its 2011 season with a win Wednesday, 10-8, against rival Randolph Southern.

"It looked like a first game for both of us," SGA coach Tommy Manry said. "Lot of errors, not very good defense. It's a nice way to start the year, even if it didn't come easy."

Minus ace Bailey Ponder, who is battling an injury, SGA's Charity Lewis picked up the win, allowing just five hits, while Kyndal Carer gave the Lady Warriors a boost with her bat with a triple, a HR and three RBI. SGA's Jenna Kitchings had two hits, an RBI and three stolen bases, Bailee Everson had two hits, two RBI and four stolen bases, and Allison Houston had an RBI and two hits. Elizabeth Lumpkin and Alana McCook led Randolph Southern with two hits.

WORTH 6, TIFT COUNTY 0:

Worth County's softball team opened its season on the road Wednesday with a shutout as Lauren Potts went the distance and tossed a four-hitter. She struck out six and walked seven, but didn't allow the first batter in an inning to reach base all night. It was the first win for new coach Suzanne Kluball, who took over for Russell Beard, who is now the A.D. at Worth.

Heather Ellis had two hits, including a triple, and also drove in a run, and Haley Ellis had a double and drove in two runs. Faith Jones went 2-for-4.

Worth plays Northside Warner Robins at 6 p.m. on Friday in the Jordan Invitational Tournament in Columbus.

TAE ROUTS DWS IN SEASON OPENER:

ALBANY -- The Deerfield softball team fell, 16-3, on Wednesday in its season opener against Terrell Academy.

Kelsey King and Emily Stone both smacked doubles for the Lady Knights.

No final stats were available from TAE at press time.