Lady Indians shock No. 1 Wren
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com

Gaffney's Lana Ward dives into third base during a district playoff game Thursday against Lancaster.

The Gaffney High softball team wants you and everybody else to know: "They are in it, to win it."

The Lady Indians, who ended their postgame huddle with that phrase in a win last Thursday against Lancaster. backed up their boast with an impressive 2-0 victory over top-seeded and No. 1-ranked Wren on Friday.

"It was a great win," Gaffney coach Kelly Ellis said. "We played well on offense and defense and Julie (Sarratt) pitched the game of the year."

That might be an understatement.

Sarratt held heavy-hitting Wren to only five hits. She also struck out five. She was at her best with runners in scoring position. Wren had runners on second and third with one out, but Sarratt struck out the next two batters to end the threat.

"She just pitched unreal," Ellis said. Sarratt also was the game's offensive star with a 2-run homer in the top of the sixth.

Ashley Mabry had only other hit for the Lady Indians.

"It was a pitcher's duel," Ellis said.

The Lady Indians are in the district playoff driver's seat, hosting the winner of today's Lancaster/Wren matchup, on Wednesday. Either Lancaster or Wren will have to beat the Lady Indians twice on Wednesday to capture the district championship.

The Lady Indians have been in this position before but let the district title slip away.

"This is a different year," a confident Ellis said.

GOING FOR THE DISTRICT TITLE

The district championship will be at stake when the Lady Indians host the winner of today's game between Lancaster and Wren on Wednesday

Wren or Lancaster must defeat the Lady Indians twice to claim the district championship on Wednesday.