Terrell Academy Lady Eagles battle nationally ranked Calvary

DAWSON — Ashley Walker isn’t particularly interested in making Terrell Academy’s schedule easy.

He wants the Lady Eagles ready when the games become considerably more important.

Monday provided another test.

Terrell Academy stayed within striking distance of nationally ranked Calvary Christian of Columbus for five innings before the Lady Knights pulled away for a 12-4 victory.

Calvary improved to 11-2 and entered the game ranked No. 7 in Georgia and No. 11 nationally. Its only losses have come against Lee County, currently No. 3 in GHSA Class 6A, and Tattnall Square Academy of Macon by one run.

Yet Terrell Academy trailed just 6-4 entering the sixth.

“I thought we held our own and played really well,” Walker said. “Hats off to them, they are a very talented team, and I thought we were able to rise to the occasion and show that we can play good softball too.”

Calvary scored in the first, but Terrell Academy answered with two runs on a wild pitch for a 2-1 lead. The Lady Knights regained the advantage with three runs in the second.

Caroline Presley kept Terrell Academy within striking distance, working five innings and allowing eight runs, seven earned, on 11 hits without issuing a walk.

“Caroline did a really good job of keeping them off balance at the plate, and she missed a lot of barrels today,” Walker said. “I thought we played as close to perfect as you can defensively, other than a few hiccups.”

The game turned in the sixth.

With Calvary’s lineup rolling back to the top, Walker made a pitching change. The Lady Knights responded with five runs on five hits to pull away.

Calvary finished with 16 hits, including a 5-for-5 performance from leadoff hitter Davis. Presley led Terrell Academy offensively, going 2-for-3.

Walker was also encouraged by his team’s approach against three Calvary pitchers.

“I thought our at-bats were good against three quality arms, and we put some pressure on them to make a few pitches and plays,” he said. “It worked in our favor some.”

The loss is another step in Walker’s effort to have the Lady Eagles battle-tested before region play and a potential run toward the GIAA state playoffs.

Terrell Academy has one final non-region tuneup Thursday when it hosts Brookwood before beginning region competition next week.

Staff Photo: Joe Whitfield

Terrell Academy’s Lily Addison watches as the pitch goes by during Monday’s game against Calvary Christian. Addison and the Lady Eagles stayed close to the highly ranked Lady Kingihts until things moved their way late in the game.