Bulloch Academy played their final game at home for season when they hosted Robert Toombs Christian Academy. On a night where the Lady Gators took home a 7-1 victory, seniors McKenna Furnari, Kaley Cardell, Hope McCormmick, Piper Finley, and Mia Harris all played their last game in front of the home fans.
Coming into Wednesday's game, the Lady Gators were looking to put together another win during the final week of the regular season. Bulloch Academy is still fighting for positioning in the playoffs, so wins are most important in these finals games.
The Lady Gators got off to a quick start when Maralyne Belcher scored off of a wild pitch and the seniors added to the lead when McKenna Furnari's double brought Kaley Cardell home in the bottom of the 1st. In the 5th inning, a 2-1 lead ballooned to 5-1 when Hope McCormmick batted in two more runners and Mia Harris scored off of a hit by Brantley Claxton.
After the game, all supporters of the Lady Gators softball team were invited onto the field to surround the bases as the seniors took final trip around them. Friends, families, teachers, and coaches greeted the players with high-fives and hugs.
Head Coach Ashley Burke spoke on her seniors leaving. "These five seniors were actually my first group when I started out here they were in 8th grade," Burke said. " I got to see them over the past 5 years grow and step into more of a leadership role. This year especially with 5 seniors, it is hard to pass them through. Each practice, each game they are always finding something to get better at and they are always finding someone that they can encourage."
Losing a little under half of your roster due to graduation is tough on any team, but the Gators have plenty of depth and the younger players have been watching the seniors and growing over the course of the season.
The season is not over yet for the Gators. The playoffs are set to begin next week and coach Burke believes that anything is possible when the bright lights come on.
