Heritage Academy softball coach Gary Harris urged his Lady Patriots to start fast Tuesday night.
His players listened.
Heritage Academy scored 13 first-inning runs and cruised to a 19-0 win over Oak Hill Academy in a fast-pitch contest played at Harper-Hutchins Field.
“I just thought it was really important to score early,” Harris said. “Oak Hill has struggled. I feel for those kids and coaches. There was a time not too long ago where our program was in a similar situation.
“Last night was tough, so I wanted to see how quickly we could get back out here and put the night before behind us.”
Playing less than 24 hours after a very difficult loss to Madison-Ridgeland Academy, the Lady Patriots (7-6) shook off that disappointment quickly by sending 18 batters to the plate in the first inning.
Oak Hill Academy (0-11) walked seven batters and hit five more in the first inning alone. Four total errors in the contest did not help either.
“We wanted to come out and really get things started early,” Heritage Academy shortstop Macy Walter said. “We played well Saturday (in the Starkville Academy College Exposure Tournament) and then we didn’t respond like we should have Monday night, so it was really good to get some hits and to get some confidence back.”
The Lady Patriots only managed six hits but the generosity by the Lady Raiders never put the contest in doubt.
Heritage Academy turned some heads with its play Saturday in Starkville. The Lady Patriots knocked off Calhoun Academy and Pillow Academy — each by 8-4 scores.
“Pillow is a big rival and we had lost to them earlier in the year,” Walters said. “So we were pretty excited to win that game. It is all about consistency. We got to find a way to play our best game more often.”
In its third game at the tournament, Heritage Academy dropped an 11-3 decision to two-time defending state champion Copiah Academy.
“In that game, we were 0-0 in the third inning and 3-3 in the fourth inning,” Harris said. “Then, we had a real difficult inning. The girls are beginning to understand the importance of focus and the importance of consistency.
“We have shown that we can compete with some really great teams.”
Tuesday night’s contest held much less suspense. However, it did provide several players an opportunity to play.
In a six-run second inning, sophomore Leah Boiardi had a two-run double and freshman McKenzie Bumgarner had an RBI-single.
“Leah has struggled at the plate and she hit a beautiful missile,” Harris said. “McKenzie has making the most of her opportunities. There was a time when I was scared to put her out there. I am gaining more and more trust in her.
“I am proud of the girls for coming out and having a convincing win after a tough loss the night before.”
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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