On Wednesday, Oct. 16, Lady Raider Varsity Softball team completed their Sweet Sixteen at the Raider Valley against Hillgrove’s Hawks. The two teams played two games within a four hour time period. For the first game, North’s Raiders lost 7-5 but pulled it together for the second game and demolished the Hawks 13-8.   

The first inning for the first game stayed 0-1 but soon moved up to 0-2. By the second inning, the score was 2-2 and slowly continued to move up from there. Players No. 4 Mallorie Black, No. 12 Anslee Anderson and No. 34 Hailey Mize sprinted home and stole points in this game. Lady Raider supporters and fans thought that North might win this first game, but Hillgrove’s Hawks last-minute swooped in and stole the victory. 

To start off the second game, Mallorie Black batted and hit the ball; but before she could take off for first base, it was caught on the base and she was out. However, the Lady Raiders stole the show, making home run after home run. North ended up getting every Hawk out during the fifth inning and by the sixth inning, the score was 12-3. The Lady Raiders swung their way to triumph and knocked the ball out of the park.

Junior Hailey Mize gave some insight on the win, expressing that “Coming off of our shocking loss in the first game, game two certainly pulled us back into our winning streak. It really gave us a push for game three. I am super proud of all of my teammates and everything we have accomplished in this season so far. We trust each other and play for each other and I feel like we gave this game our best shot which helped us claim the victory.”

On Thursday, Oct.17, there was a deciding game and North beat the opposing team (Hillgrove) by 11-1. North’s Lady Raiders celebrate yet another victory and their family, friends and school are super proud of them! They will be going to the state championship in Columbus, Ga on Oct. 23.