The force that binds the Lady Warhawks are their seven seniors

Early Friday evening in a game that could help

decide the Region 1-5A title, the Veterans Lady Warhawks use the first inning

of what would be a 5-inning 11-2 victory over visiting Thomas County Central to

bring everything to a head. Tuesday’s home game against Harris County, also 5-1

in region play following their 3-1 victory over Bainbridge on Thursday, will

now be the deciding game. The Veterans seniors, seven girls that have been

through thick and thin with former head coach David Coffey, now coaching in

Hawkinsville, and new head coach Cody Reese, are the glue that keeps this team

on the cusp of another championship, and the right to host their first round

match-up during the upcoming state playoffs.

Pitcher Emily Myers, Halley Evans, Trinity Thiel,

Kaylee Brown, Kaitlyn Shepherd, Kate Killebrew and leadoff hitter Jenna Thomas

make up the nucleus of a team with high expectations for themselves according

to their coach. “It’s something special,” said Reese of having the opportunity

to make his varsity coaching debut with this experienced of a team. “To have

the camaraderie and leadership we have makes my job enjoyable.”

The Lady Warhawks are 12-8 overall and on Friday

put that experience and leadership to work when they put their game against the

Lady Yellow Jackets away early during Myers’ start. Following a three-up,

three-down top of the first inning, Thomas led off the game with a single. That

hit was followed by a bunt single by Nicole Chavous, leading to a single to center by

Brown. With the bases loaded Thiel sent a sacrifice fly to deep center to score

Thomas.

Just to keep score: That was three consecutive

singles, two by seniors and an RBI by another senior. Myers came up next and

helped herself with another RBI. Killebrew also added a single during the first

inning, six-run affair.

“This is a special group and when they leave this

school they will definitely leave a legacy behind,” said Reese before the game.

That legacy will be in the hands of fellow starters Chavous, Cailyn Snellgrove

and Madison Bunnell to name a few. 

For now however the seniors are at the top of the

mountain and have a game on Tuesday night to decide if their legacy will

include one more region title to go along with yet another state playoff

appearance. 

The first pitch of the Veterans/Harris County game

is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Hamiltion where the Lady Tigers are 3-1 this

season.

Notes:

The Lady Warhawks, their families and supporters

will celebrate senior day a day later before a non-region game against Lee

County (5 p.m.).

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