The Ware County Lady Gators stepped outside of region play over the weekend, traveling to Columbus for three games against quality competition on Friday and Saturday. Although Ware County did not come away with a victory, the weekend featured two one-run battles, strong pitching performances and several encouraging moments as the Lady Gators continue through the second half of the 2026 season.
Ware County opened tournament play Friday against Columbus and went toe-to-toe with the Lady Blue Devils before falling 2-1 on a walk-off hit in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Pitching kept the Lady Gators in the game throughout the afternoon. Reagan Middleton worked 5⅔ innings in the circle, allowing just two runs — only one earned — while striking out six and issuing no walks.
Columbus took a 1-0 advantage in the fourth, but Ware County responded in the top of the fifth. Natalie Pittman put the ball in play with a fielder's choice that brought home the tying run and made it 1-1.
The game remained deadlocked until the bottom of the sixth, when Columbus pushed across the deciding run for the 2-1 final.
Cassidy Lee, Natalie Pittman, Maggie McQuaig and Addi Pittman each recorded a hit for Ware County in the tournament opener.
Saturday vs. Rockmart
The Lady Gators returned to action Saturday morning against Rockmart. Ware County ran into a hot Rockmart lineup that built an early advantage on its way to a 14-1 victory.
Despite the final score, the Lady Gators had some success offensively. Kara Coleman turned in a strong performance at the plate, going 2-for-2 and driving in Ware County's run. Mattie Forsyth also collected two hits as Ware finished with five hits in the contest.
Teriayn Kirkland got the start in the circle and worked two innings for the Lady Gators.
With little time to dwell on the morning result, Ware County regrouped for its final game of the tournament — and responded with one of the most competitive games of the weekend.
Lady Gators Push St. Pius X to Extra Innings
Ware County closed the tournament Saturday against St. Pius X Catholic and battled the Golden Lions into extra innings before coming up just short, 6-5.
After St. Pius X scored twice in the second inning, the Lady Gators answered in a big way in the bottom of the third. Teriayn Kirkland launched a two-run home run to center field, bringing Ware County even at 2-2.
St. Pius X moved back in front with three runs in the fifth, but the Lady Gators refused to go away.
Ware County answered with three runs of its own in the bottom half. Middleton helped bring home a run on a fielder's choice before Addi Pittman delivered a run-scoring single as the Lady Gators fought all the way back to tie the game at 5-5.
The Golden Lions eventually pushed across the deciding run in the sixth, but Ware County's offense produced eight hits — two more than St. Pius X.
Middleton led the Lady Gators with three hits. Kirkland and Addi Pittman each drove in two runs, while Ware County's defense also turned a double play.
Middleton started in the circle and struck out four during 4⅓ innings of work.
The 6-5 extra-inning loss capped a weekend in which the Lady Gators faced three strong opponents and were just a play or two away from changing the outcome in two of the three contests. Those close-game experiences should prove valuable as Ware County turns its attention back toward the remainder of its schedule.
Next Up: Camden County Comes to Gator Field
The Lady Gators return home Tuesday, September 15, when they welcome the Camden County Wildcats to Gator Field for a JV/Varsity doubleheader.
JV first pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM, followed by Varsity at 6:00 PM. Admission is $10, with tickets available online through GoFan or at the gate.
Fans unable to make it to Gator Field can watch the action live on the NFHS Network.
Gameday Reminders
Ware County Schools' Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for Tuesday's games. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and bring only approved bags into the facility.
The Parental Supervision Policy will also be enforced. School-age students should attend athletic events with appropriate adult supervision and are expected to remain properly supervised throughout the event.
Come out Tuesday afternoon, pack Gator Field and support the Lady Gators as they return home!
Go Gators!
All game information, start times and event details are subject to change.
For more photos, please click the link below.
9/11/2026 - 9/12/2026: Columbus Tournament Photos
