Falcons Walkoff To Reach Regionals

The Falcons found themselves down to their final three outs for only the second time this season. The first time took place early in the season as the Falcons failed to score a run on East Wilkes hurler Brandi Parks; losing that game 1-0. This time the Falcons had only scored one run going into the seventh inning, and trailed 2-1.

Savannah Yale was due to lead off the 7th inning against Adison Rhyne who took over for Cassidy Wise. Yale worked the count to 3-1 before sending a long fly ball to left center for a standup double. The hit pumped up the Falcon crowd and injected energy into the Lady Falcons. Marissa Lineberry followed with a walk to put the winning run at first base and the tying run at third as Yale moved up on a wild pitch.. Jenna Moran was entered as a courtesy runner to put speed on the corners.

With Kayla Shore at the plate, the first pitch was in the dirt and by the catcher. Yale scampered home to tie the score at 2-2. The Falcon fans erupted with a cheer of "We Are Falcons!" With the winning run on second, Shore nearly became the night's hero as she sent a hard ground ball down the third baseline just a few feet foul. She would eventually go down on strikes to make it one out and Kelsey Swaim at the dish. Kelsey only saw one strike in her at-bat as Rhyne walked another runner. Allison Mitchell was up next to get a shot at game winner. Mitchell sent a 2-2 pitch deep to center field that seemed destined for the fence. The Rebels center fielder, Hively turned her back to the infield to catch up with the drive. Hively reached up and snagged the fly ball a few feet from the fence. Alertly, she turned and slung the ball back to the infield were an appeal at second base verified that Moran had left the base without tagging up. Momentum swung back to the Rebels as the two heavyweights headed for extra innings.

The Rebels were due to leadoff Leonhardt who already had one home run in the game. Sydney Miller dug down and got Leonhardt looking for a called strike three. She also retired Hively on a groundout, but walked the third batter, May. On the next at-bat May was picked off first base by Lineberry to end the inning. Controversy ensued as the Rebel faithful felt that May should have been granted time at first base. The umpire confirmed the third out, however and the game moved to the bottom of the 8th.

Mallory Choplin lined an 0-2 pitch to center field for a leadoff single, but Rhyne got Wooten on strikes for the first out. That brought Logan Wood to the plate with one out. A wild pitch allowed Choplin to get to second, but it also took the bat out of Wood's hands as she was pitched around to put runners at first and second for Miller. Miller fouled off the first two pitches before hitting a hard ground ball to left field. Choplin was waved around by Coach Helton, and crossed the plate with ease to send the home side into celebration. What had seemed like "one of those days" had turned into a gritty victory by a team unwilling to quit. The Falcons had received the standing eight count, but refused to go down.

Congratulations to the Falcons for returning to the Regional round for the second year in a row, and to the Rebels for a wonderful season. Definitely the best all-around team that the Falcons have faced this season.

The Falcons look ahead to the Franklin Panthers for the best of three series. The first game will be at Forbush on Tuesday, 7pm. The second game will be played at Franklin on Friday at 7pm, and then game three (if necessary) will be played at Forbush on Saturday at 7pm. Come out and support the Falcons as only four teams remain!

The Falcon flag was lowered for an impromptu photo-op after the game. A lot of pride surrounds this team not only for the talent of the players on the field, but for the way the players represent the school.

During all the excitement, Mallory Choplin kept her helmet on to protect herself from a potential concussion. Just kidding! It all happened so fast she just hadn't got a chance to stop celebrating.

Logan Wood received the Athlete of the Month award from Edward Jones prior to the fourth round playoff game. She didn't disappoint either as she hit a towering home run for the Falcons. Anything that travels that far ought to come with a stewardess and a free bag of peanuts.

Taylor Wooten looks on at Coach Helton during the post-game talk. Wooten's defense kept the Falcons close enough for the late rally. Wooten and Mitchell made difficult plays to keep the hard-hitting Rebels off the scoreboard through the final four innings.

Bayleigh Wooten congratulates her sister and teammates before doing her job as a grounds crew member. Where the team goes, Bayleigh goes!