Habersham Central takes down Wildcats

Habersham Central infielder Hailey Bochat (22) hits the ball during a softball game between Apalachee and Habersham Central at Raider Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 1. (Photo Landen Todd)

Habersham Central softball shutout Apalachee 6-0 for a third straight win at Raider Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

The Lady Raiders came out strong, scoring three runs in the first inning, then one in the second to go up 4-0.

"We have had a mental block when it's come to Apalachee the past couple of years," HCHS Softball Head Coach Karly Thompson said. "Last night we played our game and had a strong outing against them, which I was really proud of. I think it cemented in our girls' minds that we are a stronger team than in previous seasons."

Habersham Central pitcher Callie Craver came up big in the top of the fourth. With the bases loaded and one out, Craver forced a pop-up from Wildcat player Ryan Rudell, then pitched into a ground out to get out of the inning.

"Callie has had her pitches working really well the past couple of outings," Thompson said. "It was huge to get out of the bases-loaded jam. She stayed calm and composed and trusted in her defense. She showed some great maturity and poise on the mound last night."

Craver pitched a two-hit shutout with five walks and three strikeouts.

Habersham Central added a run in the bottom of the fifth from senior outfielder Kayla Steven's sacrifice fly to bring in Kylie Davenport.

Then, the final run came from senior outfielder Jaden Bailes stealing home to go up 6-0.

"I think the biggest difference for me at the plate has just been trusting myself and my preparation, Bailes said. “I've been working hard and trying to stay consistent with my approach every at-bat. The last couple of games have definitely given me some confidence, but I think it really comes down to not overthinking things and just trusting my swing. I'm feeling good right now, and I'm going to keep being aggressive, competing every at-bat, and doing whatever I can to help the team win."

Bailes has put up four hits and two RBIs combined in the past two games.

Khloe Hunt, Brinkley Gilleland, Ryann Coleman and Stevens all had an RBI on the night. Oaklee Jackson led the team with three steals, and Bailes followed with two.

"We are definitely getting in the groove offensively," Thompson said. "The girls have bought into the process. Coach (Luke) Stephenson has taken a hold of our offensive preparation this year, and it's showing now. The girls are better prepared for who they are facing, and I think they feel more confident at the plate, which has shown recently."

The Raiders offense has put up four runs or more in the past seven games.

"I think we're playing with a lot of confidence right now, and we've really found our rhythm as a team," Bailes said. "Winning three straight shows the level of softball we're capable of playing, but we're not satisfied with just three wins. We've been locked in, trusting our preparation, and holding each other accountable every game. I have a lot of confidence in this team and what we're capable of accomplishing, and I think we're just getting started. We're going to keep attacking, keep competing, and keep building on this momentum.”

Hunt has been amazing at the plate this season. In 10 games, her batting average is .516, with 16 hits, 10 RBIs and three home runs.

Habersham Central (5-5, 2-2) plays at Mountain View (4-11, 2-2) on Thursday, Sept. 3.