RTCA Wraps Up Regular Season; Durden Sets Record

The Robert Toombs Christian Academy Lady Crusaders softball team played games against Bulloch Academy on Tuesday of last week and then on Wednesday they hosted Citizens Christian Academy.

Durden

On Monday, October 9, during a game at Pinewood Christian Academy Junior pitcher Meredith Durden broke the school record for career strikeouts. (Game coverage in last week's paper.) The record was broken when Meredith struck out her 478 hitter to end the 4th inning. The previous record was held by former Crusader and current Georgia Southern standout pitcher Bailey Holland. Meredith is the daughter of Brian and Alicia Durden.

Durden was recognized during the Lady Crusaders game against Bulloch Academy on Tuesday Coach Brian Fitzgerald on Meredith's accomplishment said, “I just couldn't be more proud of Meredith. Not only is she a great competitor, but she is an excellent leader, teammate, and even a better person. She represents her school community and her family name with honor is easy to coach and has respect for other individuals talents. looking forward to great things not only on the field but in life from Meredith.” vs. Bulloch

It was a high scoring contest between the Crusaders and the Gators with a total of 35 runs being scored. Bullcoh took the lead in the top of the first inning with two runs. RTCA answered in the bottom half with one run, but Bulloch came back with two more in the top of the second inning to take a 4-1 lead.

In the bottom of the second inning the Crusaders seemed to take control of the game as they plated nine runs to jump out to a 10-4 lead. But Bulloch put seven runs on the board in the top of the third inning and then added another in the fourth to take a 12-10 lead.

Bulloch scored again in the top of the fifth inning, but in the bottom of the frame RTCA tied the game with three runs to make it 13-13. In the top of the sixth inning Bulloch added three more runs to take a 16-13 lead, but RTCA bounced right back with four more to go on top 17-16. continued from page

But in the top of the final inning, Bulloch crossed the plate two times to put them up 1817. RTCA was not able to score in the bottom of the inning as Bulloch held on for the, 18-17, win.

RTCA was led by Leighton Williams with 3 hits and 3 RBI's, with Maddie Joyner getting 3 RBI's. vs. CCA

RTCA picked up a run in the bottom of the first inning to take the early lead, but CCA scored four in the top of the second inning. They added two more in the top of the third to take a 6-1 lead over RTCA.

RTCA got two in the bottom of the third and plated three more in the fourth as they tied the game at 6-6. CCA came back with three in the top of the fifth inning, but RTCA added two more as the Crusaders trailed 9-8. Two more from CCA in the sixth inning gave them a 11-8 lead, but RTCA was not done. They scored one run in the sixth to close the gap to 11-9, and then pulled out the win with three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, as they took the game 12-11.

Railee Thomas led RTCA with 3 RBI's. Arlie Gooden got the win on the mound for RTCA.

This week RTCA jumps straight to the GIAA Final 4 of the State Playoffs. They will play in Columbus against Crisp Academy on Thursday at 4:00 p.m.