Hiwassee Dam – The Lady Eagles’ softball team picked up a big win when they defeated the Lady Braves 11-4 on Friday. This win allowed them to get one back on Cherokee, as they lost 5-4 on April 23.
On April 23, the Lady Braves (6-6) defeated the Lady Eagles (7-6). Hiwassee Dam got the first run of the game in the top of the third before Cherokee scored two in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead.
The Lady Eagles got the lead back with three runs in the top of the fifth. However, Cherokee went on the score one run in the bottom of the fifth and two in the sixth to win the game 5-4.
Hiwassee Dam’s Brinkley Payne went 2-3 on the day with a double, three RBI and a home run. Olivia McNabb went 4-4 at the plate with two runs scored, two doubles and a triple. She was a home run away from hitting for the cycle.
Both Payne (1) and McNabb (3) also had stolen bases. McNabb pitched a complete game with 10 strikeouts. She gave up five runs on six hits and two walks in 56 pitches.
On Friday, the Lady Eagles defeated non-conference opponent Copper Basin, Tenn., 7-3. The game was highlighted by home runs from Brinkley Payne, Olivia McNabb and Bella Stiles. McNabb pitched a complete game. She threw 13 strikeouts and gave up three runs on four hits with only one run being earned in her 128-pitch game.
The Lady Eagles wrapped up their three-game week with their second straight win. Hiwassee Dam had a run fest in this game scoring runs four of the six innings they were at bat.
The got the game going with three runs in the bottom of the first. Cherokee got one back in the second, but the Lady Eagles increased their lead again with five runs in the third inning.
Cherokee scored two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth, but the Lady Eagles added to their total with one run in the fifth and two in the sixth. They scored 11 runs on 13 hits, while Cherokee scored four runs on three hits.
Hiwassee Dam’s Katie McNabb and Olivia McNabb both had home runs in their win over Cherokee. Olivia McNabb went 4-4, scored three runs, had three RBI and a double. Katie McNabb and Brinkley Payne both went 2-4 at the plate with two RBI. Sky Taylor went 2-3 with a run scored, as well as two RBI and a double. Avery McNabb had the Lady Eagles’ only stolen base of the game.
Olivia McNabb was back at it on the mound to pick up her second straight win. In her complete game, she threw eight strikeouts. She gave up four runs on three hits and two walks. She threw 114 pitches, which made this her second straight game with more than 100 pitches thrown.
The Lady Eagles will wrap up their season Thursday, when they host Swain County at 4:30 p.m.