5th Annual Border Battle to "Strike Out" Breast Cancer a success

By Al Thomas and Matt Green

ROME -- Shorter Softball completed its 2011 Fall Ball schedule on Saturday, Oct. 15 with the 5th Annual Border Battle to "Strike Out" Breast Cancer event, which featured the Lady Hawks, Gadsden State, Middle Georgia College, Brenau University, Emmanuel College and the Georgia Peaches softball club.

Proceeds from the event were donated locally to The Breast Center at Floyd Medical. More than $3,000 was raised Saturday through gate receipts and team entrance fees.

Lee Ann Head, wife of Shorter Vice President of Enrollment Management, Dr. John Head, and Shorter Administrative Assistant of Choral and Recruitment Activities, Nickie Nicholson, were on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch as breast cancer survivors. Tammy Thornton, Outreach Coordinator at The Breast Center, provided gifts to the participating coaches and umpires.

Shorter wrapped up fall ball with three victories on Saturday against Gadsden State, Middle Georgia and the Georgia Peaches. Shorter finished fall ball with a record of 6-2 with victories over NCAA Division I Samford — Shorter swept a double header on the road with Samford on Oct. 1 --  as well as a victory over NCAA Division I Middle Tennessee State on Oct. 9. Shorter went 3-1 against NCAA Division I teams this fall.

“There was some excitement in the air this fall for sure,” said Thomas. “We had freshmen step in and make a nice impact. Maddie Bray, Lauren Millsaps, Jamie Thomas, Kayla Byrom and Kaitie Kiser all did a great job pitching this fall with sophomore returner Kristen Little also pitching well.”

Junior college transfers Amanda Dailey and Jessica Bowman played well in the outfield for the Lady Hawks. Dailey demonstrated her power with two home runs and several extra base hits. Freshman Gracie Ayers stepped in and played well at second base.

Senior outfielder Charlsie Broome paced the Lady Hawks with four home runs and third baseman Bre Johnson chipped in with three homers. Sophomore Jackie Castaneda made the move from catcher to shortstop and did a tremendous job in transition. Brooke Bryan was called on to catch on several occasions and performed well after spending the majority of 2011 as an outfielder.

"Overall we were able to look at all of our players this fall in game situations and some players at several positions,” said Thomas. “Fall Ball gave us an opportunity to see what our young kids could do and also provided us a window to see what we need to do to improve as a team.

“It was a great fall overall and we are excited about our upcoming 2012 season.”