HUNTSVILLE -- Three weeks ago Gentry spoiled birthday celebrations for Lincoln's Lexington Dobbs and Madison Reed, but Lincoln turned the tables, prevailing 8-5 at the district tourney on Thursday.
Emotions weren't quite as sweet three weeks ago. Gentry's 5-2 extra-inning win at Lincoln on April 16 featured more reversals and controversy than a professional wrestling match. Gentry led 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh and switched pitchers but reliever Brooke Boston, who moved over from shortstop, struggled. Lincoln's Holly Webb reached on an error, then Jada Corbett was hit by a pitch. With two Lincoln runners on, Gentry coach Lance Nations brought back starter Alyssa Kelton, who induced Jaycie Neeley into a popup that was snagged by the catcher, then dropped after a brief delay in what appeared to be a ploy.
The batter was initially ruled out with runners frozen on-base by the catch. Then, a signal was given for play to continue with Gentry throwing out the runner at first, getting another at second and one more at third. The unlikely triple play involved getting the batter out twice and brought Coleman out onto the diamond. Lincoln players wanted an opportunity to continue the game and got it after a 20 minute discussion in which coaches from both teams appeared frustrated. Eventually, the batter was ruled out with both base runners safe. Natalie Howard drove in the tying run although she was ruled out afterwards to end the seventh.
Taylor Hull singled, driving in a run, as did Christina Campbell on a pop up. Makensi Sweeten also popped up to drive in a run as Gentry dominated the extra-innings to win, 5-2.
"As a coach you're never satisfied with something you don't think is right, but I do think the umpires did the best that they could do with the situation to make it equal with both teams," Nations said. "I applaud the heart that this team's got, to never give up, never stop fighting. This is our best season in four years."
At the district tournament, Lincoln certified their appearance in this week's Regional tournament with big plays.
Neeley connected with a big swing of the bat and was greeted by first base coach Megan Jobe with an emphatic gesture onward as she rounded the bag. Neeley easily reached second and charged into third with Gentry's outfield unable to retrieve the ball in timely fashion. This was typical of a day when the Lincoln girls consistently got runners on base and consistently advanced, keeping the pressure full throttle on Gentry.
"I'm real proud of them. The girls played really well. They hit the ball really well," Coleman said. "They played good defense."
The Lady Wolves caught a Gentry base-runner in a rundown between second and third. Turning back when Neeley fielded a line drive at shortstop, a throw overtook the runner and she was tagged out at second by Olivia Fry. At one juncture, the Lady Wolves got Makensi Sweeten and Shamere Corter before either could reach first, and Lincoln gloves also recorded a number of outs after long Gentry hits into the outfield.
Another rundown involved Gentry's Sabra Philpott being chased and tagged out from behind after leaving third. Some of their defensive stops were so effective that Coleman exchanged high-fives with the Lincoln infield after coming out to the mound.
Sports on 05/06/2015