The Ware County Lady Gators made the long trip to Augusta worthwhile Thursday, October 1, picking up a pair of Region 1-AAAAA victories over the Academy of Richmond County.
Ware County controlled both games of the doubleheader, winning the opener 16-0 before completing the sweep with a 15-0 victory in Game 2. The Lady Gators combined strong pitching, plenty of offense and solid defense to come away with two important region wins.
Lady Gators Jump Out Early in Game 1
Ware County wasted little time taking control of the opener.
The Lady Gators put eight runs on the board in the first inning. Reagan Middleton started the scoring with an RBI triple before Kara Coleman drove in two with a single. Cassidy Lee followed with a two-run single, while Darah Durrance and Teriayn Kirkland also helped Ware County add to the early advantage.
Seven more runs followed in the second as the Lady Gators continued to put pressure on ARC. Lee drove in two more runs with a single, and Ware County took advantage of walks, aggressive baserunning and opportunities created by the Musketeers' defense.
Genesis Walker added an RBI double in the third to help push the final margin to 16-0.
Coleman led Ware County at the plate with a 3-for-3 performance, including a double. Lee added two hits and drove in four runs, while Middleton, Kirkland and Mattie Forsyth each finished with two RBIs.
The Lady Gators also created problems on the bases, finishing with six stolen bases, including two from Kirkland.
Ware County was just as effective in the circle. Middleton worked the opening inning, striking out two, before Forsyth handled the final two innings. Forsyth struck out four as the two Ware County pitchers combined to hold ARC hitless and scoreless.
The defense was clean behind them as the Lady Gators finished Game 1 without an error.
Offense Keeps Rolling in Game 2
There was no slowdown in the second game.
Ware County finished with 19 hits on the way to a 15-0 victory and the doubleheader sweep.
Teriayn Kirkland had a big game at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two triples. Lee and Maggie McQuaig also collected three hits apiece.
The Lady Gators scored three times in the first inning behind run-scoring hits from Middleton, Walker and Londyn Young.
Ware County then broke the game open with a big second inning. The Lady Gators worked their way through the lineup and continued to find open space, with Hannah Higginbotham, Middleton, Coleman, Lee, McQuaig, Skye Reid and Kirkland all contributing during the offensive surge.
McQuaig added another RBI single in the third to finish the scoring.
Middleton, McQuaig and Young each drove in two runs, while Coleman and Higginbotham joined the group of Lady Gators with multiple hits.
In the circle, Lee turned in an impressive performance. She allowed only two hits over three scoreless innings while striking out 10.
For the second straight game, Ware County played error-free defense, completing a strong all-around afternoon in Augusta.
Big Week Ahead for Lady Gator Softball
With the ARC doubleheader behind them, the Lady Gators now turn their attention to a busy stretch of four games in four days.
Monday, October 5: Varsity hosts Brunswick at Gator Field at 5:00 PM.
Tuesday, October 6: Ware County hosts Coffee. The JV Lady Gators play at 4:00 PM, followed by the varsity game at 6:00 PM.
Wednesday, October 7: Varsity travels to Tattnall for a 5:00 PM first pitch.
Thursday, October 8: Varsity returns to Gator Field to host Evans at 5:30 PM.
Gator Athletics Reminders
Ticket information for Ware County Gator Athletics is available online through the Gator Athletics Website. Tickets for Ware County home events can be purchased online at GoFan.co or at the gate.
Fans attending games at Gator Field are reminded that Ware County's Clear Bag Policy and Parental Supervision Policy are in place and enforced at all Ware County athletic events and sites.
For those unable to attend in person, Ware County home events are streamed by the WCHS Stream Team and Ross Bedford through the NFHS Network. Fans should check the NFHS Network for broadcast availability.
All game times and locations are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances.
For more photos, please click the link below:
10/1/2026: Ware @ ARC* (DH) Photos
GO GATORS!