Gainesville High School Lady Bulldogs’ fall softball season ends


Members of the Gainesville Lady Bulldogs fall softball team are, from left, (front row, kneeling) Peyton Donley, Madison Trivitt, Natalie Kiger and Cassie Carlo; (back row) head coach Cody Swearengin, Debra Winrod, Brittney Nielsen, Hallee Donley, Morgan Yeary, Teagan Broderick, Erin McKinzie, Kady Lovan, Lori Ellison, Audrey Lovan, Blakely Morrison, Kylee Hayes, Patience Naegele, Star Janes, Shayla Wages, Gwendolyn Broderick, Yasmine Moray, Brianna Hoffman and coach Johnica Hanke. Photo by Karla Smith.

The Gainesville Lady Bulldogs’ final conference game  of the fall softball season was at Morrisville Friday, Oct. 5. This night was also Morrisville’s senior night, and they came ready to play with a record of 13 and 1, said coach Cody Swearengin. “We knew we would have to play well to compete, and the girls did exactly what they needed to do. We ended up losing 6-5 in the last inning by a walk-off walk. We played the entire game without an error. Erin McKinzie did an excellent job pitching.” 

Lori Ellison hit a solo home run in the second inning to put the Lady Bulldogs up 3 - 0. Lori Ellison and Cassie Carlo each went 2 for 4 at the plate.

The last game of the regular season on Monday, Oct. 8,  was a benefit game for Hospice of the Ozarks against Ava. On this night, both teams wore special jerseys. “I would like to thank Marty and Heather Morrison of Morrison Fertilizer for sponsoring our jerseys this year,” Swearengin said. “We all really appreciate it. This game raises money to help Hospice of the Ozarks with whatever expense they deem necessary. The girls have really enjoyed this game the past two years, and hopefully we get to continue to participate in this special game.” 

Gainesville fell to the Ava Lady Bears, 7-3.

The first round of districts, held at Ava on Wednesday, Oct. 10, was against Hartville. “We lost 2 -17,” Swearengin said. “It was one of those nights that nothing seemed to go our way. I wish that our seniors’ last game would have gone a different way, but that happens in sports.”

Gainesville’s overall record was 4-15. “I am extremely proud of how our girls competed all season long,” Swearengin said. “I really enjoyed coaching them throughout the season and look forward to the spring season, come March.”

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