High school softball squad earns big win versus Rabun

By Sam Lynden
The Nugget

The Lumpkin County High School Indians softball squad has been firing on all cylinders this week.
After dropping last Wednesday’s game with Forsyth Central, the home team crushed Rabun County on Thursday by a score of 17-1.
“Overall, I think we played very well,” Coach Joseph Jones stated, “Natalie Shubert pitched for us both nights, all seven innings and did very well. She did not give up an earn run in our loss, threw the ball, and hit very well that night. We just couldn’t get that big hit that we needed.”
Shubert, who not only pitched the entirety of the first game on Wednesday with seven strikeouts, also turned around and pitched four innings on Thursday with nine strikeouts.
When asked about what contributed to the win against Rabun County, Jones said “It was a great team effort. As far as hitting the ball, we had 16 hits. A lot of big hits throughout the lineup. A lot of our younger girls got their first varsity hit last week as well. Our four seniors are showing good leadership and hitting the ball very well. A very productive week for the program overall. We’re about ready to go for region play.”
What’s notable about the Thursday game was the fact that all the runs earned by the Indians were made up of singles and doubles, with 16 hits total.
“A couple of them were doubles, but most were singles, which I am fine with, just putting the ball in play and working hard,” said Jones.

STANDING OUT

Jones said there were plenty of other solid performers during the week.
“Sydney Moore, she’s a slapper,” he said. “She’s been doing a great job when she’s getting to base, very quick. Hailey Mincey, she’s another senior, she hit the ball for us pretty well last week. Morgan Peterson, our other senior has been hitting the ball very well.
The coach said they also have other younger players who are really stepping up and putting the ball in play and and playing hard.
“[They’re] getting bunts down and getting more comfortable every single day. I’m excited to see what they can do by the time mid-season rolls around,” Jones added.
Still Jones said pitching is the strong point for the LCHS team.
“Right now it’s been in the circle,” he said. “If we pitch well and play good defense, it’s gonna give us a chance to compete and give us an opportunity to win every ballgame that we play in. Typically, this early in the season, the pitching is a little further along than the hitting as a team. And we’ve hit the ball pretty well, but the more games these girls get under their belt, the accustomed they are to what type of pitching we’re going to see.”
Next up, the Lumpkin County team is scheduled to take on Cherokee Bluff at home Wednesday, August 17, beginning at 6:30 (JV at 4:30).
On Monday, August 22 the team will host Rabun County at 6:30 (JV at 4:30).