The Birmingham Lady Giants posted a 1-1 mark in bracket play, losing to the Alabama Wild in the semi-finals to finish tied for 3rd.
After losing the first pool play game to the cleats 1-0, the Giants dropped the second to Venom 8-5.
In the first pool play game, the Giants lead by a strong pitching performance from Olivia Renta, and an outstanding defensive effort by the giants defense, lead by Mollie Freeman (5 assists) and Abby Kellogg (4 assists), but the Giants offense stranded 9 runners and failed to score, being shut out for the first time in team history. 2 hits from Mollie Freeman and 1 each from Hadley Andrews, and Ka’Mya Hampton lead the way.
After trailing in game 2 6-0 after the first inning, the Giants settled down to win the remainder of the game 5-2 , coming up just short with a final score of 8-5, despite out hitting venom 11-4, and stranding 7. 2 hits apiece from Abby Kellogg, Lauren Cabiness, and Mollie Freeman, and hits from Ka’Mya Hampton, Kim Livingston, Hadley Andrews, Olivia Renta, and Cassi Andrews lead the way for the offense. 2 strong innings on the mound from Ka’mya Hampton kept the game close.
To start bracket play the Lady Giants again drew the cleats, but this time with a much different result. After trailing 3-0 after the first inning the Giants settled in to cut the lead to 3-2 going to the top of the 5th. After managing just 4 hits through the first 4 innings, the Giants exploded 6 hits in the 5th , scoring 6 runs in the final inning, helping the Giants to an 8-5 victory. The Giants got 2 hits apiece from Abby Kellogg, Mollie Freeman, Ka’Mya Hampton, and hits from Lauren Cabiness, Kim Livingston, Maci Harris, Olivia Renta, Cassi Williams .
On the mound, Olivia Renta went the distance, scattering 4 hits and 2 earned runs enroute to the victory. The victory was Renta’s 12th of the season.
In their final bracket play game, the Giants fell to the wild 8-3 despite hits from Abby Kellogg (2), Lauren Cabiness (3), Mollie Freeman, Maci Harris, Ka’Mya Hampton, Kinley Hall, and Hadley Andrews. Despite the final 8-3 score, the game was tight throughout, 4-2 going to the final frame.
The Lady Giants are now 18-14 on the season, heading into their next tournament on Saturday in Gadsden.
