Southwestern upsets Lady Raiders

The Lady Raiders bid for a 48th District Championship fell short Wednesday evening as the Southwestern Lady Warriors powered their way to a 6-3 win.

McCreary was in control of their own destiny in the game until a 3-run third inning put the Warriors ahead for good.

Starter Kaylee Cotton limited Southwestern to only six hits in the contest, but two of those were solo home runs from Destiny Molden. Cotton also struck out 7 batters but walked 3, which came back to haunt McCreary as all three would score.

Southwestern jumped to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on Molden’s first blast, a lead off shot over the center field fence.

McCreary answered back in their half of the frame, taking a 2-1 advantage.

Cierra Terry led off the inning by reaching on an error in left field. Cammie Gilreath followed with a single to left, putting runners on the corners. Terry would score on an infield ground out off the bat of Cotton, compounded with a throwing error. Gilreath, who alertly went to third on the play, would score on a Hayley Jones ground out.

Neither team put together much offense until the top of the fourth.

A lead off walk put Madison Cook on base for Southwestern, who advanced to second on a steal. A sacrifice bunt advanced Cook to third, who would score on a controversial play.

Shantelle Woodall grounded to the infield, and the throw came home. Catcher Reagan Kidd appeared to apply the tag, but the umpire ruled she dropped the ball after the collision at the plate, and the game was tied. Regi Cundiff followed with a triple to put her team up 3-2, and would score on an error on the next play.

Despite putting three runners on base in their half of the inning, McCreary failed to push a run across and found themselves trailing, 4-2.

Southwestern would tack on a run in the fifth after Molden walked and scored on a flare to right field.

Molden came through with her second blast of the night with one out in the seventh, putting the Warriors ahead 6-2.

The Lady Raiders tried to mount a rally in their final at-bat.

Makayla Chestnut led off the inning with a walk, and would score on a two-out double from Terry.

But Terry was left stranded on a ground out, and the Warriors claimed the victory.

Both Southwestern and McCreary will represent the 48th District in the 12th Region Tournament next week, hosted by McCreary Central.