CRA Angels Show Heart, Fall 5-4 in State Tournament Opener
By: Shelia Mader
The CRA (Cottondale) Angels refused to let the sweltering summer heat dampen their determination Friday, battling until the final out before falling just short in a 5-4 heartbreaker to Franklin County in the opening round of the Dixie Youth Angels State Tournament.
Playing with grit from the first pitch to the last, the CRA all-stars never backed down despite facing an early deficit. The Angels scratched across a run in the opening inning before rallying for three more in the fourth to erase a two-run deficit and keep the pressure on Franklin County throughout the afternoon.
Although the Cottondale squad was limited to two hits, the Angels made every opportunity count. They patiently worked eight walks, aggressively attacked the base paths with seven stolen bases and forced Franklin County to earn every out.
Ella Obert led the offense, collecting a double while scoring twice and drawing a walk. Kennedy Parrish added the other hit with a double and an RBI. Emma Braxton and Khrisalyn Dawson each picked up an RBI after working walks, while Ayla Christmas scored a run after reaching base.
On the bases, Ayla Christmas, Kennedy Parrish and Raelyn Beck each stole two bases, while Obert added another stolen base as the Angels continually put themselves in scoring position.
Destiny Henderson turned in an outstanding performance inside the circle, going the distance while striking out nine batters over five innings. Henderson surrendered just four hits and three earned runs while walking three, throwing 89 pitches against 22 batters to keep her team within striking distance until the final inning.
Franklin County jumped out to a 2-1 lead after the first inning before both pitchers settled in. The Angels answered with a three-run fourth inning to briefly take momentum, but Franklin County pushed across the deciding run in the fifth to edge ahead 5-4.
While the final score didn't fall in their favor, the CRA Angels demonstrated the resilience and heart that carried them to the state tournament. Battling through intense summer temperatures, they continued to compete with energy and determination from the opening pitch until the final out, proving they would never quit on one another.
The CRA (Cottondale) Angels state tournament roster includes Ayla Christmas, Ella Obert, Destiny Henderson, Emma Braxton, Anna Claire Speers, Kennedy Parrish, Khrisalyn Dawson, Ellie Braxton, Raelyn Beck, Emberlee Barnes, Sarah Kernoschak and Halle Daniels.
