By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Falkville’s softball team celebrated the opening of a new playing field Thursday evening before dropping an area game to Priceville’s Lady Bulldogs, 16-5. The loss dropped the Lady Blue Devils to 7-10 on the season while Priceville improved to 15-9.
In a pre-game ceremony, Falkville softball Coach Tonya Sparkman thanked school administrators, Morgan County School Superintendent Don Murphy, school board members, boosters and fans for making the new facility possible. With Principal Sue Wood doing the honors, a blue ribbon was cut and blue and white balloons were released to commemorate the occasion. Wood also threw out the first pitch.
The Lady Blue Devils fell behind early but bounced back in the bottom of the fourth inning to score five runs and go ahead 6-5. The Lady Bulldogs regained the lead in the top of the fifth and won going away.
The visitors racked up 14 hits and got superb pitching support from Jessica Hopper. She went the distance allowing eight hits while striking out 11 and walking four. She also led her team in hitting with two doubles, a triple and a pair of singles.
Caitlen Williams followed with a triple, double and a pair of singles. Ashton Howser had a double and single, Sara Parker had a pair of singles and four other players each had a single.
Katrina Wildmon paced the Lady Blue Devils at the plate with a triple and single. Emily Dabbs and Ashlie Mayer each had a pair of singles and Nikki Hale and Whitney Eaves each singled.