The Murphy varsity softball team combined for 18 runs in two games as they swept Hiwassee Dam in the first in-county matchup of the 2026 season.
The Lady Bulldogs earned two wins to get back in the win column after three straight losses.
Dogs win 7-3
In their first meeting of the season, the Lady Bulldogs defeated in-county rival Hiwassee Dam 7-3. The Lady Dogs and Eagles met on the field for the first time in 2026 on March 18, when the Dogs got the win with runs in the first and last innings.
Right out of the gate, the Lady Bulldogs took the lead with four runs in the top of the first innings. The Lady Eagles got on the board in the bottom of the second inning with two runs as the Lady Dogs led 4-2.
After three scoreless innings from both teams, the Lady Eagles got back on the board and made it a one-run game in the bottom of the sixth.
With a one-run lead, the Lady Dogs scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning to pull away. They held the Eagles scoreless in the bottom of the seventh.
The three Lady Eagles runs were scored by Gracie Rhodes, Olivia Williams and Josey Ware. Rhodes, Williams and Leah Taylor had one stolen base each.
Dogs win 11-1
They met again Friday at Konehete Veterans Park in Murphy as the Dogs hosted the Eagles to wrap up the series. Murphy got an 11-1 win in five innings.
The Lady Dogs took an early lead with four runs in the bottom of the first inning. They added seven more runs in the bottom of the third to lead 11-0.
The Lady Eagles got on the board in the top of the fourth inning with one run. Murphy maintained the 10-run lead through the fifth.
Jenna Cook, Emma Hensley and Emma Laney led the Dogs as they scored two runs each. Cook also had a stolen base in Friday’s game.
Brinkley Payne scored the Lady Eagles’ lone run Friday. Payne also had their only stolen base.
Up next
Both teams return to the field Friday. Hiwassee Dam will travel to Andrews to face its in-county rival Wildcats, while Murphy will travel to Rosman. First pitch for both games is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Hiwassee Dam will then face Robbinsville on the road at 4:30 p.m. Monday. Murphy will also be in action Monday as they host Polk County, Tenn., with first pitch scheduled for 4:30 p.m.