Photo: Gadsden State’s Ally Croy (6) scores a first inning run during the Lady Cardinals 11-2 win over Marion Military in college softball on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Gadsden Sports Park. (Chris McCarthy/Messenger)
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Managing Editor
For the first time eight years, Gadsden State hosted a game in women’s softball.
Playing at home for first time since 2016 when the program was discontinued, the Lady Cardinals split a doubleheader with Marion Military Institute at the Gadsden Sports Park on Tuesday, Sept. 24 in an Alabama Community College Conference fall game.
Gadsden State won the opener by a score of 11-3 and dropped the nightcap by a 10-3 margin.
“We were very excited to be at home for the first time since 2016,” said GSCC head coach Ryan Clark. “We are very thankful for everyone who has had a part in bringing this program back. There was a huge crowd today, and our players loved it. That’s what a home game is supposed to be like. We look forward to hosting those large crowds when the new stadium is finished in March.”
In Tuesday’s game 1, 2023 Etowah High graduate Sydney Simpson struck out 12 while allowing one run in four innings.
Kirby Wisner threw three innings in relief, giving up a pair of runs on four hits. She did not issue a walk.
At the plate, Madison Allen went 3-for-3 with three runs scored and an RBI; Lanie Williams went 3-for-4 with two RBI; 2024 Hokes Bluff graduate Abby Payne went 2-for-3 with three RBI; Ally Croy went 2-for-3 with two runs scored; and Kennadi Johnson went 2-for-4 with two RBI.
In game 2, 2024 Southside graduate Ava Ramsey and Chloe Gattis each went 3-for-3.
“I think our players are working hard and competing very well each game,” said Clark. “They are doing a good job of adjusting to the speed of the game and are learning very quickly how important each role is on a team and how much the little things matter at this level. We have a great group of athletes that play hard and are getting better each day.”