Hometown girls slug it out

A full moon rose over centerfield in Orangefield Thursday night as the Lady Bobcats hosted their cross-community rivals, the Bridge City Lady Cardinals, in a critical district match-up between last season's district champion and this season's undefeated leader. One doesn't need to be an avid sports fan to appreciate the dynamics of this duel.

Earlier in the season the Lady Bobcats had lost to the Lady Cardinals 2-1 in extra innings. Then Orangefield fell to the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Lady Bears and lost another district contest to Hardin-Jefferson. Meanwhile, the Lady Cardinals were blowing through Dist. 24-4A undefeated arriving at Orangefield with five straight district wins.

But on this night as the moon rose higher over their home field the Lady Bobcats scratched out a 6-4 victory in late innings. The action packed thriller included critical home runs from both teams-- Lady Cardinal Hannah Carpenter smacked a two run homer that put Bridge City ahead 3-0 early but Kaylee Ancelot would crack the game wide open for Orangefield with a 3 run home run that tied the ball game.

Bridge City pitcher Kassidy Wilbur went the distance on the hill with six strike outs giving up five hits. Orangefield pitcher Gabby Kespelher started for the Lady Bobcats but was later relieved by Ancelot who finished the game collecting the win.

Bridge City's Hannah Faulk was 1-for-3 at the plate and scored a run, Kaleigh Carter was 2-for-3 with 1 RBI and a score, and Kellyn Cormier was 2-for-3 batting that included a double with 1 RBI. Lady Cardinal Kasey Frederick tallied an RBI and Wilbur tripled.

Orangefield added to Ancelot's 3 run homer with Katelyn Dickerson who doubled and scored two runs, Kespelher had a double and 2 RBIs and Kylie Bradley singled.

On Friday night the Orangefield Lady Bobcats go on the road to take on the Silsbee Lady Tigers. The Bridge City Lady Cardinals get a break on Friday and return to action April 17 hosting Silsbee.

Spring sports are in full bloom with high school baseball, softball and track and field competitions all coming down to the wire in district competitions. The Dist. 24-4A Track and Field Championships crank up next week. The event will be hosted at West Orange-Stark High School. It's a great time to get out and support hometown athletes as they strive for playoff placements and trips to the regionals in track.

Photo - A stellar performance by Orangefield Lady Bobcat Kaylee Ancelot with this 3 run homerun against the Bridge City Lady Cardinals. Ancelot also came in as relief pitcher and collected the win on the hill. RECORD PHOTO: Mark Dunn