Veterans sharp in second game to even playoff series

KATHLEEN -- Veterans dug itself a hole in the second round of the GHSA Class AAAA softball playoffs on Wednesday against Gilmer, but played its best softball when it absolutely needed to the most to force a decisive Game 3 on Thursday.

The Warhawks dropped Game 1 3-0, but came back to take Game 2 9-3.

"Relief," Veterans head coach David Coffey said. "That's two exceptionally good softball teams going head to head. They landed the first blow and we landed the second blow. It's for all the marbles (Thursday) now."

The first pitch is at 5 p.m.

Gilmer scored all the runs it needed in Game 1 one during the first inning, sending seven batters to the plate and scoring twice.

Bobcats starting pitcher Savannah Chalfant was practically unhittable. She struck out 13 Warhawks and surrendered just a single hit on her way to the complete-game victory.

"In the first game, I thought we were a little nervous, being so young and having six sophomores on the field, and I think that's what we saw," Coffey said. "You have to credit (Gilmer), too, because they came out, executed and hit the ball well."

Chalfant's performance didn't leave much room for optimism ahead of Game 2, but she was late returning to the field to start the top half of the first with a stomach ailment.

Veterans loaded the bases immediately, and Chalfant walked in a run to give Veterans the lead. She didn't return for the second inning, giving way to reliever Taylor Boling, who was touched up for 12 hits and eight runs the rest of the way.

Gilmer coaches said that they expect Chalfant to return for the deciding game, and Coffey insisted the Warhawks won't reinvent the wheel as they try to get to her offensively.

"We're going to see their best and they're going to see our best," Coffey said. "We're going to do what we do. All year, we've stayed with the same formula and we're going to stay with the same formula again. I'm sure they are as well."

Avery Lamb, the only senior on the field for Veterans, started both games in the circle and was very effective. The Valdosta State commitment surrendered just four earned runs in two games, striking out seven in 14 innings. She also had four hits to lead the Veterans offense.

Freshman Kenly Sullivan homered in the third inning of the nightcap for Veterans' final lead.

"Now, you have two teams with their backs against the wall and they're both very dangerous teams," Coffey said. "It should be a great game (Thursday)."

This story was originally published October 22, 2015 at 10:57 AM with the headline "Veterans sharp in second game to even playoff series ."