Apollo took the first step in defending their 3rd Region title in convincing fashion, overwhelming Trinity 17-1 in three innings in Monday’s quarterfinal victory at Vastwood Park.
The E-Gals (15-14) had no trouble at the plate, and a two-run homer by Keely Eans highlighted a productive day from the entire lineup. The Lady Raiders (15-15), playing in their first region tournament in 16 years, struggled out of the gate and couldn’t get much going all day.
Apollo wasted no time getting on the board. Madison Shemwell reached second base on an error to lead off the game. Brooke Brown laid down a sacrifice bunt and ended up trading places with Shemwell when the throw to first base sailed high.
Trinity followed up the throwing errors with a double play, but Apollo plated five more runs before recording the third out. Seven straight singles gave the E-Gals plenty of cushion before the end of the first half-inning.
“The girls came out focused and ready,” said Apollo head coach Stephen Julian. “We had quality at bats and that’s what you’re looking for. We had some good swings and jumped on the board early.”
Abbie Gore led off the second inning with a single before Eans crushed a line drive over the left field fence. Four hit by pitches and two walks kept the bases loaded and led to three more runs before the Lady Raiders were able to get out of the inning.
Trinity was able to get a run across in the bottom of the second. Katherine Hibbitt’s leadoff double hit the left field fence in the air, and her courtesy runner Lexy Edge scored on a two-out single by Georgia Howard.
That’s all the Lady Raiders could do, and Apollo’s offense continued to flourish in the third inning to score six more runs.
Winning pitcher Madison Julian said she didn’t have her best stuff, but her team helped keep Trinity from starting any rallies.
“I feel like I could have done better, but (catcher Lauren Whitehouse) really saved my butt back there a couple times and I had a good defense behind me so it worked out in the end,” she said.
While it was a quick exit for Trinity, head coach Jack Melton was still happy with the way the Lady Raiders finished out their season.
“I think the last part of our season played out well,” he said. “To finish the second part of the season 15-4 and district champs, you can’t ask for much more than that, especially when you start 0-10. We’re really young. I think it was a little overwhelming for them to be here in this atmosphere.”
With much of the roster returning, he’s hoping a repeat trip to region is in store for Trinity’s future.
“The three seniors built a foundation for these young ones to keep it rolling,” he said. “If we can get back, they’ll be more adjusted to the atmosphere and I think they’ll be fine.”
For Apollo, a chance at back-to-back region championships continues in Tuesday’s semifinals. Madison Julian said Monday’s big win is a good start.
“We all came with the intent to win,” she said. “We didn’t want to be upset like we have in the past. The goal is a regional championship, and this is our first step.”
Eans said if the offense can continue to shine, the E-Gals will be tough to stop.
“I think we’re overall solid,” she said of the lineup. “We balance each other out with power hitters and people who can move the runners. I think as long as we keep swinging the bats, we’re going to be fine. That’s our main focus. Defensively we’ve been strong and pitching has been good.”
Eans finished the day 3-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs and two runs scored. She also pitched one inning of relief and gave up one hit. Madison Julian gave up two hits in her two innings.
Hallie Wilson, Whitehouse, Madison Julian and Aubrey Little each had two hits. Abbie Gore, Wilson and Madison Lowe each added two runs, while Little drove in two.
Hibbitt, Howard and Savannah Aull each had a hit for Trinity.
AHS 6-5-6—17-15-1
THS 0-1-0—1-3-1
WP: Julian. LP: Wathen. 2B: Little, Whitehouse (A), Hibbitt (T). HR: Eans (A).
