The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

Baseball, softball head to playoffs

Junior+pitcher+no.+3+Adam+Eschler+pitches+to+North%E2%80%99s+senior+third+baseman+no.+12+Justin+Heeler+for+a+groundout+to+junior+first+baseman+no.+16+Brandt+Corley.+In+Eschler%E2%80%99s+previous+appearance+against+the+Bulldogs%2C+he+pitched+a+four+hit+complete+game+shutout.+
Katie Dolberry
Junior pitcher no. 3 Adam Eschler pitches to North’s senior third baseman no. 12 Justin Heeler for a groundout to junior first baseman no. 16 Brandt Corley. In Eschler’s previous appearance against the Bulldogs, he pitched a four hit complete game shutout.

The varsity softball team lost in the district championship on Saturday against Prosper Rock Hill 5-3, and the baseball team won their game against McKinney North 5-4. However, both teams received a spot in the playoffs this season.

“We could’ve definitely pushed on the pedal a little bit more and longer,” freshman outfielder Matthew Mainord said. “We let off the gas after a few innings when we knew we were going to do well. We had a few good hits to start off the game, and we left it in the hands of Cade Hill who pitched really well.”

Matthew Mainord, this week’s player of the week, hit the game winning double against McKinney North. Mainord had three hits and four RBI’s. 

“The game went well, and it was very close,” junior outfielder Trent Rucker said. “We ended up with more hits, and won the game 5-4. My favorite moment was when Matthew Mainord hit the game winning double to put us in the lead.”

The team’s chemistry is better than ever this season, according to Trent Rucker.

“We secured a sport in the playoffs already, and I think we will go very far with the chemistry we have on the team,” Rucker said.

Senior Sydney Provence hit a double and was later able to score a run, and put the softball team up 1-0. However, soon after, Rock Hill hit a grand slam, putting them up 4-1.

“The game didn’t turn out the way we wanted, but I would say the game went alright,” sophomore shortstop Hannah Harvey said.” We just weren’t hitting the ball like we normally do.”

The team plays in their first round playoff game on Wednesday against either Frisco Reedy or Wakeland.

“I think we will do great, and since we have a couple days to prepare, we will be ready to attack and dominate early,” junior third baseman Emma Bittlestone said.

The team is focusing on hitting and defense to prepare for the playoffs this season.

“I think over the past couple of weeks we have been perfecting the little things such as bunt defense and hitting,” Bittlestone said. “This year, we are playing for our seniors, and I think that since we didn’t get the district championship, we will be even more motivated in the coming games.”

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About the Contributors
Christian Giordano
Christian Giordano, LJP Staff, LIVE! Crew (Technical Director)

Sophomore Christian Giordano returns for his second year as the Technical Director for LJP LIVE! crew as well as the Producer/Writer for Leopard Re-Cap. Christian loves to spend as much time as he can at ice rinks and is very passionate about ice hockey. After winning a hockey state championship in Illinois while he was living in Chicago, Giordano moved to Lucas and won a state championship with Lovejoy. This season, Giordano will play hockey on the varsity team as the starting goaltender. Besides playing hockey, Giordano loves writing and hanging out with his friends. If you can’t find him at the rink, you can probably find him spending time with his two cats. Giordano is excited to continue to pursue his passion for journalism this year.

Katie Dolberry
Katie Dolberry, Section Editor
Heading into her second year on staff, senior Katie Dolberry is excited to take on the role of sports editor and photographer. She would like to pursue journalism as a sports broadcaster. Outside of the newsroom, Katie puts her height and long wingspan to use by playing post in basketball and first base in softball; she is also a part of PALS. More often than not, Katie can be found talking to her Sky Ranch friends or talking about camp in general. If you were to drive past her, you would likely hear her jamming to lots of country music. Katie is also a chapstick addict and has some in her pocket 24/7. Her favorite flavor is candy cane. More things Katie loves include chocolate, bucket hats, throwing the football, Bible journaling, picnics with friends and the sky. Katie cannot wait to see what her second year on staff has to offer.

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