By Steve Williams
Farragut leadoff batter Camryn Shrader was a power hitter last week as she helped her team climb out of the losers’ bracket and win the District 4-4A tournament championship.
Coach Nick Green’s Lady Admirals had their backs put against the wall after losing to Rhea County 8-7 early in the tourney on May 1.
First, Farragut had to get past Lenoir City last Tuesday in the double-elimination tourney hosted by Bearden at Kim Hazelwood Field. The Lady Ads quickly took care of LC with an eight-run first inning en route to a 14-4 mercy rule win.
That set up a do-or-die contest later that night against the Eagles from Rhea County. And that’s when Shrader displayed her big bat. Her solo home run over the centerfield fence with one out in the top of the fifth inning broke a 1-1 tie and Farragut went on to prevail 5-1.
“She’s small, but she’s strong,” Coach Green said.
Farragut totaled 10 hits in the game, with eight of 10 batters getting at least one hit. Taylor Albright had a single to left and a bunt single and Callie Brown had two singles. Others with a hit in the game included Rylee Raby, Hallie Grace Johnson, Jade Buckner, Taylor Wolfgram and Logan Jamstop.
After Wednesday’s rainout, Farragut and Rhea County met again Thursday to determine the district champion and the host team for tonight’s Region 2-4A tournament.
Shrader showed her power again as she belted a solo homer over the centerfield fence to break a scoreless tie in the fourth inning. It was Camryn’s 10th home run this season.
The Lady Admirals added three more runs in the inning and went on to win 4-0.
Raleigh Mizer blanked Rhea County the first five innings and Johnson finished up.
Farragut (31-7) is scheduled to host the District 3-4A runner-up (Karns, Powell or West) in a Region 2-4A elimination game tonight, while the District 3-4A champion (Karns, Powell or West) is scheduled to host Rhea County.
The Region 2-4A championship game is scheduled to be played Wednesday and Class 4A Sectional games are scheduled for Friday.
