The Putnam County JV varsity squad has many newcomers this year.
Underclassmen pitcher Amber Winslette started in the circle for the Lady Eagles on Aug. 8, at home against Lamar County. The first inning resulted in seven runs scored by the visitors, followed by a discouraging three-up-three-down start for Putnam.
The second inning did not fare any better for the Putnam girls, as the Lady Trojans added another nine runs before another 1-2-3 inning for the Lady Eagles.
The third inning ended with a run-rule call and a 21-0 victory for Lamar County.
Last Saturday, Aug. 12, the Lady Eagles JV traveled to Lincolnton for a doubleheader. Against Jefferson County, they suffered a tight 19-18 loss, followed by a 12-0 loss to Lincoln. Up next for the JV Lady Eagles was Lincoln County, when they play host Aug. 24 at 4:30 p.m. in Eatonton.
Meanwhile, the varsity team was in action on Aug. 7 as it hosted Jasper County. Freshman Bristol Harris and Kaydence Hodges were in the circle for the Lady Eagles facing a tough Jasper team. Strong pitching for Jasper County helped keep it ahead in the game and the bats for the Lady ‘Canes came alive in the top of the third inning.
The Eagles also scored in the bottom of the third as Harris helped herself with an RBI single as storm clouds loomed over the stadium, but it was 9-1 for Jasper as the teams headed into the fourth.
Smart base running eventually carried Jasper County to a 14 -1 win after the game was called off in the fifth due to storms.
The Lady Eagles were back in action the next day ready to face another non-region opponent at home against Lamar County. The visiting Lady Trojans came in swinging with a pair of victories already under their belts and an average 65 percent on-base percentage.
The Trojans put up five runs in the first inning, while great pitching kept the Lady Eagles off the scoreboard. Lamar did not slow down, ending the game with a 17-1 victory.
Regardless, the PCHS softball girls are not disheartened as they know it is a rebuilding year with only two starters returning. Opening the season with two powerhouse opponents also gave Putnam the insight and ability to adjust and make corrections before region play begins Aug. 31 versus Butler.
After playing at Jasper on Tuesday, then hosting Oglethorpe this Wednesday (both after press time), up next for Lady Eagles softball is a home-and-home pairing versus Lincoln County, starting Aug. 19 at Lincolnton, then at home Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.