The Ware County Lady Gators returned to Gator Field on Thursday, September 10, for a Region 1-AAAAA doubleheader against the Evans Lady Knights. Ware County opened the evening with an impressive 8-0 shutout victory before inclement weather forced the second game of the doubleheader to be suspended.
The Lady Gators wasted little time taking control of the opener, putting four runs on the board in the bottom of the first inning.
Teriayn Kirkland delivered the biggest swing of the inning, launching a two-run home run to right field to put Ware County in front. Mattie Forsyth followed with an RBI single, while Cassidy Lee drove home another run to give the Lady Gators an early 4-0 advantage.
Ware County added to its lead in the third when Darah Durrance brought home a run with a sacrifice fly, extending the margin to 5-0.
The Lady Gators continued to apply pressure offensively and eventually pushed the lead to eight runs, while Kirkland and the Ware County defense made sure Evans never found an answer at the plate.
Kirkland Leads Shutout Effort
Kirkland was outstanding in the circle, working all five innings and keeping the Lady Knights off the scoreboard. She allowed six hits while striking out seven and issuing just one walk.
Ware County also played error-free defense behind her, completing a strong all-around performance in the field.
At the plate, the Lady Gators piled up 13 hits in just four offensive innings.
Reagan Middleton led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, while Kirkland and Lee each recorded multiple hits. Forsyth finished with a team-high three RBIs as Ware County received contributions throughout the lineup.
The combination of timely hitting, strong pitching and clean defense allowed the Lady Gators to finish off the 8-0 victory in five innings and pick up an important Region 1-AAAAA win.
Weather Interrupts Game Two
Ware County and Evans returned to the field for the second game of the scheduled doubleheader, but Mother Nature had other plans.
Inclement weather moved into the Waycross area and ultimately forced play to be suspended before the contest could be completed.
Game Two has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 8, when the Lady Gators and Lady Knights will have an opportunity to finish their Region 1-AAAAA matchup.
Lady Gators Head to Columbus
There won't be much downtime for Ware County as the Lady Gators turn around and head to Columbus for a two-day tournament featuring three games against quality competition.
Ware County opens tournament play on Friday, September 11, against Columbus High School with first pitch scheduled for 4:00 PM.
The Lady Gators return to the diamond Saturday morning for two more contests. Ware County will face Rockmart at 9:00 AM before wrapping up the weekend against St. Pius at 11:00 AM.
After picking up another region victory Thursday night at Gator Field, the Lady Gators will look to carry that momentum with them to Columbus for a busy weekend of softball.
For more photos, please click the link below.
9/10/2026: Ware Vs. Evans* (DH)
Go Gators!