FROM TIM GAYLE
SPORTS WRITER – SPECIAL TO EAN
SOFTBALL
Prattville Christian Academy 1, Geneva 0
PIKE ROAD — Alivia Messick pitched a two hitter and struck out five as the Panthers captured the championship of the Pike Road Patriot Classic on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Geneva.
PCA went 4-1 in the tournament, overcoming an opening loss to Charles Henderson to win the tournament. Messick took the loss in the opener, a 7-3 loss to the Trojans, then picked up the win in relief of starter LB Nesmith in the second game, beating Geneva 4-2.
In that Friday matchup, Messick pitched the final 3.2 innings and allowed just one hit, holding Geneva at bay until Payson Hanson’s two-run double to left field broke a 2-2 tie.
On Saturday, the Panthers opened bracket play with a 4-3 win over Dale County in the quarterfinals, using a solo home run and a two-run, walk-off double by Sarah Williams to defeat Dale County 4-3. Messick was the winning pitcher against the Warriors.
In the semifinals, PCA defeated Stanhope Elmore 4-3 as Messick came on in relief of Nesmith to pick up the victory.
Williams went 4 for 13 with five RBIs in the five games, while Jersee Carter went 5 for 11 and Brinkley Sailors went 3 for 9 with three RBIs.
PCA (13-6) will play host to Trinity in a 3A Area 6 matchup on Monday at 5 p.m.
