Lady Tigers go 5-1 in Gulf Shores tournament

By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
GULF SHORES —Hartselle’s Lady Tigers (14-9) emerged from the Nike Gulf Shores Softball Classic with a 5-1 record after winning all five of their pool play games and getting a bye in the opening round of the tournament on March 17.
With a 6-1 win over Southside on March 16, they received the second highest seed in the tournament bracket while competing in a field of 47 teams. Their win streak ended the next day, however, when they were eliminated by Vestavia Hills, 1-0, in an extra innings game that was decided under the international tie-breaker rule.
The winning run was scored in the bottom half of the second overtime inning when the designated second base runner reached third on an error and came home on a ground ball to second base.
The Lady Tigers out-hit Vestavia Hill’s batters five to one. Ashley Bonner, Kelsey Starr, Chelsea Bennich, Katie Gentle and Jacquie Shadden each had a single.
Breanna Riley, the losing pitcher, allowed one run on one hit while striking our 13 and walking three.
Hartselle 6, Southside 1
The Lady Tigers picked up their fifth straight pool play win in two days at the Nike Gulf Shores Classic by defeating Southside 6-1 on March 16.
Hartselle collected seven hits with Bonner’s two singles leading the way. Shadden and Olivia Golden each had a double and Bennich, Starr and Riley each singled.
Riley was the winning pitcher. She allowed one run on one hit while striking out 13 and walking two.