The bats for Gatewood softball didn’t get rusty after a lopsided win over Trinity Christian in the season opener.
The Lady Gators (3-1) scored 34 runs over the next three games, winning two and losing one. After four games, they are averaging just over 11 runs per game, making them one of the top offenses in GIAA Class AA.
Gatewood defeated Trinity Christian 11-1 in the opener before whacking GMC Prep 15-3 on Aug. 7. The Lady Gators then played a doubleheader against Southland Academy on Aug. 9, splitting the weekend series. They defeated the Lady Raiders of Americus 11-0 in the first game and lost the second by a score of 10-8.
Gatewood head coach Dena Stancil is proud of her players for maintaining their consistency at the plate. “The whole lineup is hitting with confidence,” Stancil told The Eatonton Messenger. “I told them before the first game that it was okay to play with a little arrogance. I think they’re finally playing up to their full potential.”
Lady Gators such as Lily Arthur, Ellie McMillian, Natalie Sills, and McKenna Riser are seeing the ball well. Riser and Sills are batting above .400 while McMillian and Arthur are hitting over .600 through four games.
Arthur, McMillian, Sills, and Riser are leading the team in several other statistical categories, including hits, RBI, and home runs. Arthur and Sills are the two Gatewood players who have hit the ball over the fence.
Stancil said she’s relied on those four, plus Avery Hill and Riley Roberts, to get on base and drive in runs.
It’s been a major change since last season, when the Lady Gators struggled to get on base consistently and drive in runs. Their approach at the plate has changed, and they’re becoming more aggressive early in counts.
Stancil and her coaching staff hope the success at the plate continues as the season progresses.
Gatewood is off this week because classes have started, but will return to action on Aug. 19 at Central Fellowship in Macon and again on the road versus GMC Prep in Milledgeville on Aug. 21.