Lady Dawgs Open Summer With Statement Win Over Southwest Georgia Academy

By: Shelia Mader

The Marianna Lady Dawgs officially opened summer softball play Thursday with an impressive 10-6 victory over Southwest Georgia Academy, showcasing a blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy as the program begins preparing for the upcoming season.

While many students spend June on vacations, at the beach, or enjoying time away from school, this group of Lady Dawgs made a different choice. The team has already begun summer workouts and competition, focused on building chemistry and integrating a talented eighth-grade class moving into the high school program. That commitment was on full display in the season's first summer contest.

Marianna overcame an early deficit after Southwest Georgia Academy scored two runs in the first inning. The Lady Dawgs answered with a run in the second and another in the third before erupting for eight runs in the fourth inning to take control of the game.

Although both teams finished with five hits, Marianna's patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning proved to be the difference. The Lady Dawgs drew four walks, were hit by two pitches, and stole multiple bases to keep constant pressure on the defense.

Offensive Leaders

Shortstop Khloe Wilkes turned in one of the top offensive performances of the afternoon, finishing 1-for-2 with a double, two RBIs and one run scored.

Hope Tanner also collected a hit and drove in a run while scoring once.

Pitcher Kate Barton helped her own cause at the plate, going 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored.

Brynley Lipford finished 1-for-1 with a walk and a run scored, while Alannah Henderson added a hit and scored once.

Several players contributed without recording a hit. Gracee Rooks reached base on a walk and scored, while Anzyley Smith, Olivia Robinson, and Sydney Green each crossed the plate. Robinson also drove in a run and walked once.

Marianna's offense was aided by hit batters to Averie Gilley and Shauna McCardle, both of whom reached base and helped create scoring opportunities.

On the Bases:

The Lady Dawgs were aggressive once they reached base. Alannah Henderson stole two bases, while Brynlee Lipford, Kate Barton, Olivia Robinson, and Sydney Green each added a stolen base.

Pitching Performance

Marianna used three pitchers in the contest.

Kate Barton started and was dominant, tossing 1.2 innings, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out one batter.

Gracee Rooks worked one inning, allowing one run on one hit with two walks.

Hope Tanner closed out the game, pitching one inning, surrendering three runs (none earned) on one hit while striking out one batter and issuing one walk.

The victory gives Marianna a strong start to its summer schedule and an early glimpse of what could be another successful season. The Lady Dawgs enter the summer carrying momentum from an undefeated championship season by the freshmen and Thursday's performance showed that the program's tradition of success remains firmly intact. Just as important, the game provided valuable opportunities for returning players and newcomers to compete together, continue building team chemistry, and lay the foundation for the season ahead.

For a team sacrificing part of its summer break to work toward a common goal, the first result could hardly have been better. Marianna's mix of experienced leaders and rising young talent appears poised to make plenty of noise once the regular season arrives.