Staff Reports

ALEXANDRIA – The Cherokee County Lady Warriors and White Plains Lady Wildcats haven’t been strangers to playing close area softball games this season.

The Lady Warriors took three previous meetings this season by three runs or less, including Friday’s 4-1 decision in their Class 4A, Area 12 tournament opener at Alexandria.

But on Saturday, White Plains won when it mattered most. The Lady Wildcats ended Cherokee County’s season at 23-7 with a 3-1 decision. The Lady Warriors dropped a 10-0 game to Alexandria in winners bracket action earlier on Saturday.

Against White Plains, the Lady Warriors fell behind 3-0 in the top of the third inning. Sara Kate Adams delivered a two-run double, and the Lady Wildcats added another run to take the early advantage.

That proved to be enough run support for White Plains pitcher Leighton Arnold. She surrendered just one run on seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts.

Emma Hill suffered the loss for Cherokee County. She tossed five innings, and gave up three runs on two hits with a walk and eight strikeouts.

Kaylee Lewis led the Lady Warriors at the plate with three hits. Bristol Bass added a pair of hits. Emma Eberhart had a RBI.

White Plains went on to finish area runner up to Alexandria with an 8-3 loss in the area championship game on Saturday.