Albany Herald

WARNER ROBINS — The Lee County volleyball team came back hungrier than ever this season after tasting the first round of state a year ago but going no further.

And Thursday in the Lady Trojans’ season opener, it showed.

Lee County rolled to a pair of wins, beating Warner Robins (25-20 and 25-19) and Mary Persons (25-10 and 25-15) with ease.

“We saw some good things from the girls,” said second-year coach Tondra Davis, who returns just two starters and has only three seniors. “We’re still trying to tweak some things, but beating Warner Robins felt good. They were the area champs last season.”

Maggie O’Conner led the way in both matches as she combined to post 12 kills and seven aces, while Brandi Minix notched a team-high 24 assists between the two contests. Amanda Miller (six aces), Anna Jones (five kills) and Sarah Dowling (four aces) shined in the nightcap.

Lee County now gets set for a tournament this weekend in Houston County before its home opener Tuesday with a doubleheader against Brooks County and Veterans, beginning at 5 p.m.

Softball

DONALSONVILLE — Seminole County’s Evan Hall threw a one-hitter and beat Mitchell County, 16-1, on Thursday.

It was Mitchell County’s season opener, and first-year coach Kris Presha was optimistic about her team’s future.

“They had played a few games, and this was our first game of the season,’’ Presha said. “It was a learning experience.’’

Mitchell County can feel real good about Akerian Florence, who singled and then put on a show, stealing second, third and home to score for the Lady Eagles.

RANDOLPH SOUTHERN 13, HIGHLAND 5, (6): Madison Ragan pitched two innings, struck out five and gave up no hits to earn the win, while Morgan Lumpkin got the save, striking out two.

Braylee Blanton notched her second straight inside-the-park home run and had a double, while Ragan blasted her second home run. Lumpkin also added a double, triple and two RBI.

Randolph improved to 3-1 overall.