Varsity Baseball Drops Tough One at Home

WEB CAST.

Following their win over Southeast Raleigh on Tuesday, the Trojans were back at home against East Wake and looking to build some momentum heading into spring break next week. Garner sent Jacob Baker to the hill and for the first four innings, Baker pitched outstanding. But, it just wasn't meant to be as Garner fell to East Wake 3-1

The game was scoreless through three innings as both pitchers went toe for toe and neither backed down. In the top of the fourth, Baker got the first out, but an error and walk to consecutive batters put Garner in a tough spot. With two outs, East Wake's Wes Luck drilled a single back up the middle to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead.

When the fifth inning began, Baker was lifted in favor of Hunter Brown who came in and pitched well for the Trojans, but after hitting a East Wake batter to begin the inning, Nate Lusk came to plate and hammered a 3-1 pitch to deep left center field for a two run home run and East Wake had a 3-0 lead. That was the only mistake Brown made on the night, and when he left the game, Garner still trailed by just three.

The Trojans had their chances to score in the fifth and sixth, but just could not seem to get that timely hit.

Still trailing in the bottom of the seventh, the Trojan began to mount a rally as CJ Schmitt walked to begin the inning and after two near home runs from both Matt Powell and Brett Walters, the Trojans were down to their final out.

Colin Perry came in to pinch hit and delivered a single to left center field which plated Schmitt for the first Trojan run of the game. Jared Newbry was next to hit for the Trojans and worked the count to 3-2 before grounding out to end the game and give East Wake a 3-1 win.

Garner will take a couple of days off before returning to action next Thursday at home at 7:00 when they host Holly Springs.

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The JV Baseball team picked up a big home win on Thursday afternoon as they continued their hot play, the Trojans were in control the entire game before picking up a 7-0 forfeit win when the game was stopped in the fifth inning.

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Varsity Softball continued to roll on Thursday as Garner took an early lead and never looked back as they defeated East Wake 5-0 at Trojan Field.

The undefeated Lady Trojans will be back in action following Spring Break.

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JV Softball team picked up a big 13-12 win over East Wake at Trojan Field on Thursday. The Lady Trojans took an early lead before letting East Wake climb back into the contest, but managed to hold on for the win.

Trojans Sweep Southeast in Varsity Baseball & Softball

BASEBALL WEB CAST.

SOFTBALL WEB CAST.

The day began with one mission for the Trojan Sports Network and that was to bring fans both the Varsity Baseball and Softball games and that mission is now complete and marked as a success as Garner swept Southeast Raleigh, winning in both games at the Garner Sports Complex.

First thing on the schedule Tuesday was Trojan Baseball as Garner went into the game really needing a win, and Garner was able to "get healthy" against Southeast thanks to some timely hitting and outstanding pitching.

Things began for Garner in the bottom of the first as Alec Hulmes walked then advanced to second and third on a pair of pass balls and later came in to score on a RBI single from Matt Powell also on the play, there was an error in center allowing CJ Schmitt to score and it was 2-0 Garner after one.

The Trojans scored again in the second, this time with two outs, Jesse Fisher singled and again, Hulmes walked as the back to back singles from Hunter Brown and CJ Schmitt, Garner scored again and it was 4-0.

It remained 4-0 until the fourth inning when on the very first pitch of the inning, Jesse Fisher took the Kevin Tangerlini pitch over the left field wall just inside the fair pole down the line for a line drive home run! Two batters later, CJ Schmitt sent a towering fly ball to left center field for his third home run of the year and it was 6-0 Garner.

The Trojan added two insurance runs in the fifth to take a 8-0 lead. But, while the offense was doing its part, starting pitcher, Jackson Pleasant was also holding up his end of the bargain and he dominated the Bulldog hitters holding Southeast to just five in in six innings of work.

But, the biggest stat of the night for Pleasant was that he did not give up a walk and struck out six. Following the outstanding effort by Pleasant, Matt Powell came in and continued the work striking out six to preserve the shut out as Garner went on to win 8-0.

The Trojans will be back at home on Thursday night when they host East Wake at 7:00, the JV game will begin at 4:00

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Following the baseball game, it was time for a quick change of venues as Garner Softball was next on the docket as the Lady Trojans put their undefeated record on the line as they hosted Southeast Raleigh at Trojan Field and promptly disposed of the Bulldogs 12-2.

But, it wasn't all fun and games early as Southeast put up a pair of runs in the first as they strung together three base hits and stole two bases in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead. However, that lead did not last long as Garner came right back in their half of the first.

Mary-Scott Powell led off the bottom of the first with a double off the center field wall, she later stole third as Raven Smith walked. With runners at second and third and two outs, Freshman, Maddy Stewart came to the plate and laced a single to left center to plate Powell on the play Southeast threw the ball around the yard a bit allowing Smith to score as well and tie the game at two.

That would be the closest the game would be as Southeast did not score again, but Garner sure did. In the bottom of the second Garner loaded the bases with two outs as Ashley Carroll strolled to the plate, facing a one ball two strike count, Carroll fouled off a good two strike pitch before sending a shot to way back left field and clearing the fence for a GRAND SLAM HOME RUN!

Kasey Hamrick followed Carroll with a double off the wall in left center, she scored on the next pitch as Southeast committed another error and after two it was 7-2 Garner.

The Lady Trojans scored four more runs in the bottom of the fourth with the big hit of the inning coming again, from Ashely Carroll who laced another hard hit ball, this time to left field to pate two and really put the game out of reach at 11-2.

Garner put the game away in the bottom of the sixth when Kasey Hamrick came in to score and give the Lady Trojans a 12-2 win in six innings. With the win Garner is now 6-0 on the season and 5-0 in conference play.

They will be back in action on Thursday night when they host East Wake at 7:00, the JV game will begin at 5:00.

SSS No-Hits Garner

WEB CAST.


The Trojans were back in action on Friday as they played host to the Smithfield-Selma Spartans for their second conference match up of the year and from the opening pitch you knew it was going to be a special night at Trojan Park, but the only problem was, it was a special night for the Spartans as they blanked Garner 7-0.

Hunter Brown got the ball for Garner and pitched well enough to win, but the offense just didn't come through as Brown's counterpart, Tate Parrish, was untouchable on Friday night.

SSS started things off in the first with a lead off single by Dylan Brown and two batters later, Blake Mitchell grounded out to score Brown. The Trojans came up empty in the first and the second was more of the same as the Spartans got the lead off man on base and he later came around to score on a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0 SSS after two.

The third inning was the costly inning for the Trojans as Smithfield-Selma sent nine batters to the plate and five runs came across to score, but you can't lay it all on the Trojan pitching as the defense lost a couple of ball in the twilight sky allowing the inning to continue and allowing the Spartans to take a 7-0 lead.

That was more than enough for UNC signee Tate Parrish, the Spartan Senior was making just his second start of the year and on Friday showed why he is a UNC commit. The only blemish on the night for Parrish was a pair of walks to Connor Torruella. Other than the two walks, Parrish kept Garner off balance all night.

Garner could just not find any offense as they were no hit on Friday night and will look to get back on track on Tuesday when they host Southeast Raleigh at 4:00.

Winning Pitcher: Tate Parrish - 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K

Losing Pitcher: Hunter Brown - 5 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K

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2110 Vandora Springs Road, 779-7076

Comet Errors Aid Garner in First Road Win

WEB CAST.

The Varsity softball team was playing their first road game of the season on Tuesday night as they traveled to Clayton High School for a make-up game with the Comets. The game was originally scheduled to be played last Friday, however, rain washed away the softball game and the game was replayed on Tuesday with Garner winning 8-4.

After a great start by both pitchers, Garner got on the board first in the second inning off a couple of Comet errors. Maddy Stewart was once again the catalyst for the Garner offense as she reached on a error by the Comet first basemen, that was followed by a error by the Comet third basemen and after a third error of the inning, Garner plated two runs and had a early 2-0 lead after two.

The Garner lead grew to five after the top of the fourth as with one out, Kasey Hamrick reached on the fourth Clayton error of the night, two batters later, Maddy Stewart walked to load the bases for Halie Warner who got a RBI the hard way as she was hit by the pitch and allowed a run to score. Christian Gower, the Garner pitcher, came to the plate and helped her own cause as she laced a two run single to left to make it 5-0 Garner.

Clayton came back with a couple of runs in the fourth and fifth to make it a 5-3 ball game, but then again in the seventh, Garner came right back and answered the call.

Kimmie Stewart reached base with one out in the seventh that was followed by a Ashley Carroll single and another miscue by the Comet outfield allowed Stewart to score. That started the chain of events rolling again for the Lady Trojans who plated two more runs in the top of the seventh on two more Comet errors and going to bottom of the last inning it was 8-3 Garner.

Clayton added a run in the seventh as they loaded the bases with just one out, and after a RBI single by the Comet catcher, Nella Chamble, the Trojan pitcher, Christian Gower settled down and got the next two hitters to retire the Comets and give Garner a 8-4 win.

Garner (3-0, 3-0) will be back in action on Friday night when they travel to SSS for a 7:00 first pitch. There will NOT be a JV game as SSS does not have a JV team.

Winning Pitcher: Christina Gower - 7 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

Losing Pitcher: Nicole Bond - 7 IP, 5 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 1 HB, 8 K

LINE SCORE

GAR 8 5 2
CLY 4 8 9



Cappolla's Pizzeria and Grill

Sofball Down Former Foe

WEB CAST.

After a thrilling win over West Johnston last Tuesday night, the Lady Trojans returned home to take on the Knightdale Knights, but, in the first base dugout, was a very familiar foe for Garner fans. Garner alum, Adam Hamrick, was returning to his old stopping grounds as the first year head coach of the Knights who coming into the game had a 2-1 record.


Facing Hamrick and the Knights, was a Garner team who was looking to build on the confidence that they had after the win over West Johnston and Garner came out hitting on all cylinders with a 12-2 win.

Garner got things going in the third inning as with one out, Maddy Stewart got a base hit to right to get things. That was followed by a pair of singles from Christian Gower and Shea Barbour.

So that loaded the bases for the top of the line up and for the first time this season the top of the order put together some runs. Mary Scott Powell got a big base hit to left to plate two runs and two batters later, UNC-W signee, Kimmie Stewart, singled a home another run and it was 3-0 Garner after two.

Garner plated two more runs in the fourth on a two run single from Stewart. And after four, it was 5-0 in favor of the Lady Trojans. But, that lead didn't last long as Knightdale came back in the top of the sixth with a pair of runs to cut the lead to 5-2. However, the Knights made a couple of big base running blunders that ran them out of a big inning.

But, give Garner's Raven Smith some credit as on a base hit to right, Smith came up and fired a frozen rope to third that beat the Knightdale runner by four steps and was a huge out in the inning and game Garner some momentum that they carried over to the bottom half of the inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, Garner sent 10 batters to the plate and scored seven runs to put the game away as they run ruled Knightdale 12-2 for their second win of the season.

Garner (2-0, 2-0) will be back in action on Thursday night when they travel to Clayton for a 7:00 first pitch.

Winning Pitcher: Christina Gower - 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 4 K

Losing Pitcher: Kayla Boggs: 6 IP, 10 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Powell and JV Softball No - Hit Knights

Garner Freshman, Kristen Powell pitched her first no hitter of the year as the Lady Trojans downed Knightdale 12-2 at Trojan Field on Tuesday afternoon.

The Lady Trojans were coming off their first loss of the season, which came last Tuesday as they lost to West Johnston to open their season, but Garner did a good job of putting that game behind them and move on to Tuesday's contest.

Garner took a 2-1 lead early in the game and never looked back as they defeated Knightdale 12-2 to improve to 1-1 on the season.

The Lady Trojans will be back in action on Thursday when they travel to Clayton for a 5:00 first pitch.

Varsity Baseball Nipped by Knights

The Varsity Baseball team returned home to face Knightdale in a conference clash at Trojan Park and after falling behind 3-0 early, Garner rallied behind senior ace, Jacob Baker, who did a great job at keeping Garner in the game and giving them a chance to win.

Garner rallied to tie the game at three, on a big base hit from Brett Bailey however, Garner wouldn't get any closer as Knightdale got two runs in the seventh inning to win the game 5-3 from the Trojans.

Garner will be back at home on Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 when they host cross town rival Middle Creek.

JV Trojans Tie with Knightdale

The JV baseball team took a early lead at Trojan Park on Tuesday afternoon, but couldn't hold the lead as Knightdale came storming back to tie the game in the late innings.

With the score tied at four all, the two teams played the 8th and 9th innings with neither team pushing across a run so, since neither team could score, it was almost time for the Varsity game, meaning the JV game was called a tie at 4.

The JV Trojans will be back in action tomorrow when they travel to Middle Creek for a 4:30 first pitch.

Weekly Coaches Show Begins TONIGHT!

For the first time, the Trojan Sports Network will get set to bring you the first of many LIVE Coaches shows from Shuck 'em Shack Oyster Bar located at beside the movie theater at the White Oak Shopping Center!

The show will begin at 7:00 and will last around an hour. This week we will talk Garner baseball, Garner Softball with Moe Barbour and wrap up Garner basketball with Eddie Gray.

You are encouraged to attend the show at Suck 'em Shack and participate in our audience and ask the coaches questions. If you can't attend in person, you can LISTEN LIVE BY CLICKING HERE!

You can also be a part of the show from home by sending in your questions for the Trojan Coaches by sending an email to trojansportsnetwork@gmail.com

Garner Uses Youth and Experience to Get Past West Johnston

WEB CAST.

It's built as the premiere softball rivalry in the area, as it always is when Garner and West Johnston get together on the softball field and again on Tuesday night, the game lived up to the hype as Garner slid past West Johnston 2-1 in the season opener for the Lady Trojans.

Garner gave the ball to true Freshman, Christina Gower who was making her debut in a Lady Trojan uniform against the contemptuous rival from Benson and in the opening frame, Gower was sharp getting West to go in order and also getting two strikeouts in the first.

West Johnston's Lexi Betancourt was equally as dominate as she took to the center circle for the Wildcats, however, Betancourt's delivery home became the focal point of the game as she was called for four illegal pitches because her back foot was not constantly in contact with the pitching rubber.

Despite the pitching controversy, West Johnston had a 1-0 lead after four compete innings as the Wildcats played some small ball to jump ahead in the fourth as Kristen Partin singled to lead off the fourth and after a sacrifice bunt moved her to second, Marisa Hackney singled to left to plate Partin and give West the 1-0 lead.

After a scoreless top of the fifth, Garner was running out of chances to score, but that's when the Lady Trojan experience blended with some youth to put runs on the board. Freshman Maddi Stewart started the fifth inning with a bloop single over the head of the Wildcat third basemen to put the lead off hitter on base.

Following a Gower strikeout, Mary Scott Powell tried to bung Stewart over to second and she appeared to stakeout, but caught a break when Betancourt was called for her fourth illegal pitch which allowed Powell to single two pitches later and put runners at corners with only one out for Raven Smith.

Smith fell behind in the count 0-2 and battled back to work the count even at 2-2 before lacing a single to right center field and plate two runs to give Garner the 2-1 lead.

The score would remain the same going to the top of the seventh when West Johnston had their last call. Marisa Hackney led off the inning by drawing a walk and later advanced to second and third on wild pitches.

With Hackney standing on third base, Betancourt struck out swinging on three pitches. So, with one out, and a runner at third base, Ashley Carroll made THE play of the night.

On a 3-2 count, Amber West fouled off pitch after pitch and on the 11th pitch of the at bat, West, sent a shot down to third base where Carroll picked up the ground ball and saw Hackeny too far off the base and tagged her out for a huge second out of the inning.

The last West hope was Danielle Meyers who fouled out to Meghan Strickland at first to end the game.

Garner (1-0, 1-0) will be back in action on Thursday night when they host Millbrook at 6:00.

Winning Pitcher: Christina Gower - 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 9 K

Losing Pitcher: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 6 BB, 10 K

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Varsity Baseball Picks up First Win

After losing their first three games on the season, the Varsity baseball was in desperate need of a win as they hosted West Johnston in the conference opener on Tuesday night at Trojan Park.

Garner gave the ball to their senior ace, Jacob Baker who responded to strikeout 13 Wildcats batters and give up just one un-earned run as Garner powered past West 4-1.

The Wildcats got their run in the top of the first off as a throwing error extended the inning to allow a run to score.

But, the Trojans did not go away as they put up three runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the 3-1 lead and just for good measure, in the sixth, CJ Schmidt hit his first home run of the year, a solo shot to right center to give Garner a 4-1 win.

The Trojans (1-3, 1-0) will be back in action on Friday night as they travel to Clayton for a 7:00 first pitch.

Softball Rosters Announced!

The Garner Softball Coaching Staff released the 2010 roster today and below you will find the roster. Garner looks to repeat off last season's success that saw the Varsity team win the Conference Tournament for the first time and along with a 23-5 record, the Lady Trojans advanced to the third round of the State Playoffs.


JV

Armstrong, Sydney
Beck, Michaela
Canipe, Erica
Fleming, Emily
Foster, Jordan
Gill, Kristen
Kirkland, Amber
Light, Marina
Nicley, Cailyn
Powell, Kristen
Rogers, Kayla
Schultz, Shavonne
Tran, Jessica
Watson, Regina

VARSITY

Armstong, Jenna
Barbour, Shea
Burton, Anna Marie
Campbell, Breanne
Carroll, Ashley
Daeke, Morgan
D'Arco, Alyssa
Gower, Christina
Hamrick, Kasey
Powell, Mary Scott
Smith, Raven
Stewart, Kimmie
Stewart, Madison
Strickland, Meghan
Warner, Halie

The Lady Trojans will begin their season on Tuesday when both teams travel to Trition High School. The JV game will begin at 4 and the Varsity at 6:00.

Trojans Rack Up All-Conference Selections For Spring Sports

The Spring Sports All Conference Selections were officially announced and the Trojans placed several on the All Conference teams in the Greater Neuse River Conference.

First with Soccer, Coach Connie Barnes saw three players on the All-Conference team:

Meagan Proper
Rachel Gogal
Jenna Carroll

Proper was also named Offensive Player of the Year in the Conference

Track saw four young men placed on the All-Conference team, all from the 4x100:

Terell Sanders
Jeremiah Davis
Dominique Mathis
Ian Hunter

Men's Tennis also came away with a successful season and as a result, Head Coach Joe Walls was named Coach of the Year and the following players were selected to the All-Conference Team:

Jake Smith
Patrick Holmes
Alex Bennett

After a third place finish in the Conference and a trip to the second round of the playoffs, the Baseball team also saw three players as selections to the All-Conference Team:


Jeremy Conyers
Phillip Myrick
Jacob Baker

Last but certainly not least, the Softball team, which went to the third round of the playoffs, saw Head Coach Moe Barbour pick up Coach of the Year, Christie Wright was pitcher of the year and Nadia Jeffries was selected as Player of the Year. In addition, the following players were All-Conference for Softball:

Christie Wright
Halie Warner
Mary Scott Powell
Nadia Jefferies
Raven Smith
Ashley Carroll
Kasey Hamrick

Congratulations to all the players for an outstanding season!

Softball Loses a Heartbreaker

LIVE WEBCAST .

The Varsity Softball team returned home on Wednesday night as they hosted Fuquay-Varina in round 3 of the State 4A Softball Playoffs. Garner would fall behind in the first inning as Camice Patterson, the Bengal lead off hitter was hit with the pitch and later came around to score on a bases loaded walk.

Fuquay still had a run one lead as Bengal starter, Alex Ryan held Garner in check. But, Fuquay would capitalize in the third inning as Alexa Cannon singled with one out and the single was followed by a two-run home run but Natile Buddle over the left field wall and Garner was down 3-0.

But, Garner didn't stay down long as they jumped right back on the board in the bottom of the fourth, Nadia Jeffries led off the inning with a double to left field then advanced over to third on a Christie Wright ground out, and Jeffries scored on a pass ball to make it 3-1.

It would stay 3-0 going to the bottom of the 6th, that's when Garner found some offense, Kasey Hamrick led off the bottom of the sixth with a line drive double to left and after a strikeout, Nadia Jeffries beat out an infield single to put runners at first and third.

Jeffries spent little time at first as she stole second, which was her 45th stolen base of the year and tied her for first in the state. With two outs in the inning, Garner still had the runners at second and third and that's when Christie Wright helped her own cause with a line drive base hit to center to plate the two runs and tie the game at three a piece.

Each team had chances to win the game in the seventh, but neither team could get the hit they needed when they needed it and we went to extra innings, and the two teams played forever.

After walking the lead off hitter in the top of the 8th, Wright settled down to get get Garner out of the inning. The Lady Trojans couldn't muster in offense in the 8th or 9th as they went down in order in both innings.

In the 10th, things went sour for Garner as they just didn't get the breaks they needed and the ball seemed to bounce the opposite way as Fuquay put up five runs in the top of the inning to take an 8-3 lead.

The five run deficit was too much for Garner to overcome in the bottom of the 10th and the two hour 46 minute contest came to a close with Fuquay-Varina advancing to the 4th round.

Garner finishes the season with a very impressive body of work. The Lady Trojans finish the season at 23-4, and both the regular season and conference tournament champions.

Also, the Garner Trojans want to say their thanks to the two Seniors on the Softball team, Nadia Jeffries, and Christie Wright for their dedication to the program and all the heart they gave during their careers.

FUQ 8 14 0
GAR 3 7 1

Winning Pitcher: Alex Ryan - 10 Innings, 7 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 Walk, 8 Strikeouts

Losing Pitcher: Christie Wright - 9 2/3 Innings, 14 Hits, 8 Runs, 4 Walks, 1 Hit Batter, 7 Strikeouts


**The Trojan Sports Network would also like to express their appreciation to everyone who helped during the 2008-2009 school year. It was a pleasure bringing Trojan Athletics and we look forward to being back next year**

Garner Blast Wakefield to Advance to Round 3

LIVE WEBCAST.


Garner scored early and often on Friday night as they defeated Wakefield 11-1 in five innings at Trojan Field. Garner will now advance to the third round of the State Playoffs to take on Fuquay-Varina, Tuesday night at 7:00 at Trojan Field.

The Lady Trojans struck first in the bottom of the first as Nadia Jeffries reached on an error, following a walk to Mary-Scott Powell, Christie Wright, laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Next up was Kimmie Stewart and she laced a two run triple to right field allowing both runs to score. Garner wasn't finished as Ashley Carroll, doubled to right to plate Stewart and make it 3-0. Garner added another run on an RBI ground out by Kasey Hamrick.

After Wakefield added a run in the top of the second, Garner responded with a two spot in bottom half. Again, Jeffries and Powell would reach to start the inning and again it would be Kimmie Stewart who singled home Jeffries and Ashley Carroll drove in Powell on a sacrifice fly.

Garner kept the pressure on in the fourth inning with a three spot. With one out, Jeffries singled, stole second and third and later scored on a ground out by Mary-Scott Powell. Christie Wright singled to put two on before Stewart doubled home Wright and Carroll doubled again to plate Morgan Dake who was running for Stewart.

With Garner leading 9-1 in the bottom of the fifth, they needed just two runs to end the ball game. Hailie Warner got things going with a solid single to center that the Wolverines center fielder over ran allowing Warner to reach third. She would score on a RBI single from Kasey Hamrick.

Following a Anna Burton sacrifice bunt, which put Hamrick at second, Jeffries grounded to second to put the Lady Trojans 11th run just 60 feet away. Hamrick would cross the plate as Mary-Scott Powell beat out an infield hit which won the game for Garner.

Again, Garner will advance to face Fuquay-Varina in round three. This will be the third meeting of the season between the two teams. Game time will be 7:00 on Tuesday night at Trojan Field. The Trojan Sports Network will be on the air at 6:45 on Tuesday Night.

Winning Pitcher: Christe Wright - 5 Innings, 3 Hits, 1 Run, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout

Losing Pitcher: Katlyn Brooks - 4 2/3 Innings, 11 Hits, 10 Runs, 8 Earned Runs, 2 Walks, 2 Strikeouts.

WAK 1 3 2
GAR 11 10 0

Leading Hitters: WAK: Kendall Teasley 1-2 RBI, Nadia Stevens 1-2, Stephanie Spaulding 1-2; GAR: Stewart 3-3 (3B, 2B, 1B, 4 RBI), Jeffries 2-3, Carroll 2-2 (3 RBI), Hamrick 1-3 (2 RBI), Warner 2-3

Softball Survives First Round Scare and Advances to Round Two

It wasn't always pretty on Tuesday night for the Varsity Softball team, but a win is a win, and this time of year the name of the game is Survive and advance and that is just what Garner did on Tuesday in their 3-2 victory over Athens Drive in the first round of the State Softball Playoffs.

Garner gave Christie Wright some early runs to play with in the bottom of the first when Garner had back to back singles by Wright and Kimmie Stewart to begin the inning. The Lady Trojans then plated those two on a two run double by Ashley Carroll.


Athens Drive scored in the 6th inning after Wright walked the first batter, and a fielder's choice moved the runner to second. Then, two passed balls scored two runs in the 6th for the Jaguars and tied the score at two.

But the tie score would be short lived as Garner rallied in the bottom of the sent as Ashley Carroll, led off the inning with a base hit to right. Anna Burton then came on for Ashley Carroll as a pinch runner. Raven Smith's fielder's choice moved Burton to second. Halie Warner then single to left field to plate Burton and score the winning run!

Garner (22-3) will now advance to the second round of the State Playoffs on Friday night when they play host to the winner of the Wakefield vs. East Chapel Hill game Friday night AT HOME first pitch will be 7:00.

The Trojan Sports Network will also be in attendance on Friday night for the Softball game with a LIVE WEBCAST Beginning at 6:45.

ATH 2 4 1
GAR 3 7 0

Winning Pitcher: Christie Wright
Losing Pitcher: Lilly

Leading Hitters: Athen's Drive: Lilly 1-3, Hutchins 1-2, Tschudi 1-3, Williams 1-3
Garner: Wright 2-3, Stewart 2-3, Carroll 2-3 (2B), Warner 1-3

Lady Trojans Win Two to Capture First Ever Tournament Title

Lady Trojans Advance to Semi-finals of Conference Tournament

Garner came into the first round of the Conference Tournamet as the number one seed as they faced the number eight seed in the Clayton Comets. Garner had already beat Clayton twice in the regular season and both games were not close.

The first round of the Conference Tournamet wouldn't be any different as Garner scored five runs in each of the first two innings then added two runs in the thrid as they rolled to a 12-1 win and advance to the semi-finals of the Conference Tournament Saturday Morning at 10 A.M. at Smithfield-Selma High School.

The game will be LIVE on the Trojan Sports Network beginning at 9:45 AM on Saturday Morning.

CLA 1 4 4
GAR 12 11 0


Winning Pitcher: Christie Wright
Losing Pitcher: Morgan


Clayton Hitters: Maxson 1-2, Dilday 1-2, Joyner 1-2, Shivley 1-2

Garner Hitters: Powell 1-4, Wright 3-3( HR), Carroll 2-3, Stewart 2-3(2B), Smith 2-3(2B), Strickland 1-1(2B)

Wright's Senior Night No-Hitter Gives Garner Conference Championship

Garner had clinched at least a share of the Conference Championship as they entered play on Friday night, but a win would give them the outright Conference Title and home field advantage throughout the State Playoffs.

This night would be a tale of the two Seniors, in Nadia Jeffries and Christie Wright. After a one, two, three top of the first, the Lady Trojans wasted no time in getting on the board as Nadia Jefferies led off with a rope down the third base line for a lead off double. She would then steal third as Mary-Scott Powell singled to drive in the first run of the game. After a ground out, Kimmie Stewart doubled to left to score Powell and give Garner a 2-0 lead.

The score would remain the same as Wright continued to cruise giving her only base runner of the game on a six pitch walk in the top of the second.

Garner would break the game open in the fourth inning as Kasey Hamrick singled with one out and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Meghan Strickland then doubled to score Hamrick and give Garner a 3-0 lead, but they weren't done. After a Sacrifice Bunt by Anna Burton, the Garner Senior Nadia Jeffries reached on a error allowing Strickland to score. Jefferies stole second and reached third on a throwing error by the Warrior catcher. Mary-Scott Powell then doubled to plate Jefferies to make it 5-0 Garner.

The Lady Trojans added one more run in the bottom of the sixth as Breanne Campbell was hit by the Katie Watkins pitch and moved to second on a fielder's choice and would later score on a wild pitch, which made the score 6-0 Garner going to the seventh.

As the two teams went to the final inning, the focus was one one thing, getting Wright the no-hitter. The first batter to face her was Shelby Bishop who sent a looping line drive to right field and Nadia Jeffries had to come a long way but made a basket catch in shallow right field. Whitney Betts then fouled out to third and the final out of the game was very fitting of the night as Katie Watkins swing at the Garner Senior Christie Wright's pitch and flew out to the other Garner Senior Nadia Jefferies to end the game.

The win clinches the Conference Championship for the Lady Trojans as they head into the Greater Neuse River Conference Tournament which will be held at Smithfield-Selma High School beginning Thursday.

EW 0 0 2
GAR 6 10 0

Winning Pitcher: Christie Wright - 7 Innings, 0 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 Walk, 11 Strikeouts

Losing Pitcher: Katie Watkins - 6 Innings, 10 Hits, 6 Runs, 5 Earned, 1 Walks 9 Strikeouts

Leading Hitters: GAR: Powell 2-4, Stewart 2-4, Strickland 1-2, Jefferies, 2-4

JV Softball Also Conference Champs

The Lady Trojan JV softball team defeated East Wake 20-0 in 3 1/2 innings Friday afternoon to earn the conference championship. Garner collected 16 hits while scoring 7 runs in the first inning, they added 12 runs in the second inning and one run in the third inning.

Pitcher Mary Royal allowed only 3 hits and received solid defense from the restof the team. The win gave the Lady Trojans and coach Emily Hardee finish the season with a 12 -3 - 3 record with only one conference loss.
EW 0 3 9
GAR 20 16 3
Winning pitcher: Mary Royal

Leading hitters: GAR -- Jordan Foster 4-4 2B, Amber Kirkland 3-3 3B,Lauren Badey 2-2, Michaela Beck 2-2, Emily Fleming 2-3, Amber Robb 1-2

Lady Trojans Clinch Share of Conference Title with Victory over the Bulldogs

It didn't take the Varsity Softball team to pick up where they left off from Monday as they blasted Southeast Raleigh 8-1 Wednesday at Garner's Trojan Field.

The Lady Trojans struck early as they got five runs in the first inning to take a 5-0 lead. That would be all Christie Wright would need as she pitched a shutout scattering just 3 hits on the night.

But the Lady Trojans would add to their lead with a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth as they also got a home run blast from Meghan Strickland, her first of the year. The win over Southeast gives Garner the season series and no worse than a first place tie in the Conference, but they can win the Conference outright with a win on Senior Night against East Wake. The senior night contest will take place Friday night at 7:00 at Trojan Field.

SER 0 3 2
GAR 8 7 3

Winning Pitcher: Christie Wright

Losing Pitcher: Strickland

Leading Hitters: SER: Kenan 1-3, J. Jernigan 1-3, Clayton 1-3, Hunter 1-3;
GAR: Jeffries 1-3, Powell 1-2, Wright 1-1, Carroll 1-2, Stewart 1-3, Warner 1-2, Strickland 1-3(HR)

Softball Picks up Road Win Over SSS

As the Lady Trojans traveled to SSS on Monday night for the final regular season match up with the Spartans. With Garner being off for five days, there was a little rust that the Lady Trojans had to lose as things got underway.

Each team scored two in the first inning, but Garner would then being to pace themselves as they put up single runs in the second, third, fifth, and seventh as they went on for the 6-4 victory over the Lady Spartans. With the win, Garner improves to 16-3 overall and remains a top the conference with an 11-1 record.

The Lady Trojans are back in action Tuesday night when they host Southeast Raleigh at 7:00 at Trojan Field.

GAR 6 9 0
SSS 4 9 4

Winning Pitcher: Christie Wright

Losing Pitcher: Thorne

Leading Hitters: Garner: Jeffries 2-5, Powell 1-4, Wright 1-3, Smith 2-3(2B), Hamrick 1-4, Strickland 1-3, Burton 1-3; SSS: Byrd 2-2, Parrish 1-3, Cater 2-3, Driver 2-4, Creech 1-2, Kearney 1-3

JV Lady Trojans Rally to Tie Spartans

The Lady Trojan JV softball team waited until late in the game to get their bats working and earned an extra inning tie with the Lady Spartans JV team at Smithfield–Selma. The Lady Trojan were held to one hit through the first five innings falling behind4-1.

Garner scored 1 run in the 6th inning and 3 runs in the “do or die” 7th. SSS scored one run in the bottom of the 7th inning to tie the score at 5 and send the game into an extra innings. Both teams were held scoreless in the 8th and both teams had 6 hits as the game was declared a tie so the Varsity game could begin.

GAR 5 6 3
SSS 5 6 8

Garner pitcher: Mary Royal
SSS pitcher: Daett Taylor

Leading hitters:
GAR: Jordan Foster 2-3, Amber Kirkland 1-2, Emily Fleming 2-4
SSS: Amanda Mitchell 2-3

Lady Trojans Comeback falls just short at Fuquay

The Softball team stepped outside of conference play as they traveled down highway 401 on take on Fuquay-Varina. It was a high scoring game, but unfortunately, the Lady Trojans would fall just short as they lost 7-6.

Garner got on the board first in the top of the first when Mary-Scot Powell reached base and stole second she would later score on an Ashley Carroll bunt. On the play Christie Wright also went to third and later scored on a Raven Smith bunt attempt.

After Fuquay cut the lead in half in the bottom of the third, they found their stroke as they put six on the board in the fourth, and after four innings it was 7-1 Fuquay.

But give the Lady Trojans Credit, they didn't give up as they came back with three runs of their own in the top of the fifth. With one out, Nadia Jeffries and Mary-Scott Powell both reached on Fuquay errors. Christie Wright then doubled which plated both Jeffries and Powell. Wright advanced to third and later scores on a single by Hailey Warner, that cut the lead to 7-5.

In the top of seventh, the Lady Trojans tried to complete the comeback as Mary-Scott Powell led off the inning with a single, and following a walk to Christie Wright put runners at first and second. After a ground out, the two runners advanced, and Hailey Warner laid down a sacrifice to score Powell, but that would be as close as Garner got as they fell to Fuquay dropping their record to 15-3.

GAR 6 7 1
FUQ 7 9 3

Winning Pitcher: Alex Ryan
Losing Pitcher: Christie Wright

Leading Hitters: GAR: Powell 2-4, Jefferies 1-4, Wright 1-3 (2B), Carroll 1-4, Smith 1-3, Warner 1-3; FUQ: Patterson 3-4 (2B), Buddle 2-3, Cannon 1-3, Ryan 1-3, Jones 1-3, Canova 1-4

JV Softball Ties Bengals

Garner got on the board early at Fuquay as they took a 3-0 lead after the first inning. But Fuquay cut the lead to one at 3-2 after the two innings of play.

After 2 more scoreless innings Garner scored one in the 5th to lead 4-2. The sixth Inning was going to be the last inning since this was a non-conference game and a time limit had been imposed. In a game full of unusual plays one Fuquay player was called out after she ran into her own batted ball and another Lady Bengal JV player was out after an illegal steal.

In the bottom of the 6th with the score 4-2 in favor of Garner and 2 outs. Fuquay had two runners on base, an “Incorrect Substitution” was declared after one play in which the Lady Bengals scored 2 runs on 4 errors by the Lady Trojans. The batter was declared out after the play and the game was declared over, ending in a tie. Garner pitcher Mary Royall enjoyed some solid defensive support, but had pitched a one hitter and not won the game.

GAR 4 5 5
FV 4 1 1

Leading hitters—GAR: Mary Royal 1-1 (3B), Amber Kirkland 1-1 (2B), Lauren Badey 2-3

Softball Wins Again

The Lady Trojans picked up their 15th win of the season as they downed Knightdale 5-2 at Trojan Field on Tuesday night. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the third when the Lady Trojans finally busted through as Meghan Strickland singled and advanced all the way to third before being replaced on the bases by Morgan Daeke as she scored on an error, which also allowed Mary-Scott Powell to reach. The other Garner in the inning came when Christie Wright singled to plate Anna Burton


Knightdale roared back in the 5th after a hit by Paige Peterson . The next batter walks setting up an advance on a fielders choice. A wild pitch scores a run and then a Garner error allows another runner to score.


In the bottom of the 5th inning 4 hits in a row resulted in 2 runners scoring. As the Lady Trojans went on to win 5-2 to improved to 15-2 on the season as they travel to Fuquay on Wednesday night.

Winning Pitcher: Christie Wright
Losing Pitcher: Johnson

KNI 2 6 1
GAR 5 10 3

Leading Hitters: KNI: Short 1-4, Brock 2-4, Johnson 1-4, Peterson 2-4; GAR: Powell 1-4, Wright 2-3, Carroll 1-3 (2B), Warner 1-3, Smith 1-3, Strickland 3-3, Burton 1-1.

JV Lady Trojans Also Get Win

The JV team began the sweep of Knightdale with their 15-4 win earlier in the day at Trojan Field. The Lady Trojans opened up the game with 11 runs in the first frame and 4 more in the second.

Garner wouldn't score again as they cruised to an easy 15-4 win over Knightdale. The JV Softball team is also in action today at Fuquay-Varina at 4:30.

KNI 4 4 4
GAR 15 8 4

Winning Pitcher - Mary Royal

Losing Pitcher - T. Burt

Leading Hitters: KNI: L. Haig 1-2, T. Cnossen 1-2, T. Burt 1-3 (3B); GAR - Amber Robb 2-3 (2B); Jordan Foster 1-2 (2B); Lauren Badey 1-2.

Lady Trojans Rebound to Blast Comets

After falling to West Johnston 5-0 on Wednesday night, the Varsity Softball team needed a bounce back game and they got just that as they traveled to Clayton on Friday night.

The Lady Trojans wasted no time getting to the Comets as they stuck for 5 runs in the opening frame and added 8 more in the second. Future Chowan star, Christie Wright went just two innings and seemed to get her confidence back before she was replaced by Breanne Campbell who went the final three innings giving up a run and just three hits.

When all was said and done, the Lady Trojans came away with the season sweep over Clayton winning the second meeting 19-1. As they improved to 14-2 on the season

Garner is back in action on Tuesday when Knightdale visits Trojan Field

GAR 19 21 0
CLA 1 3 3

Winning Pitcher: Christie Wright

Losing Pitcher: Thorne

Leading Hitters:
Garner: Jeffries 5-5, Scott 1-4, Wright 2-4(D), Carroll 3-5(D), Smith 4-4(D), Hamrick 3-4, Strickland 2-4, Burton 1-3
Clayton Hitters: Joyner 1-2, Hall 1-1, Thorne 1-1


JV Lady Trojans Also Get Win

The JV Lady Trojans traveled to Clayton on Friday night as their game preceded the Varsity game. It would be all Lady Trojans on this night as they blasted Clayton 16-3. Mary Royal pitched a solid game for Garner giving up only 5 hits. Garner’s batters contributed 11 hits, scoring 8 runs in the first inning, 10 runs in the fourth and 7 more in the 6 inning.


GAR 16 11 3
CLA 3 5 3

WP—Mary Royal

LP—K. LaCerda

Leading hitters: Mary Royal 3-3, Jordan Foster 2-2, Michaela Beck 2-3