WAYCROSS, GA - October 8, 2026 - The Ware County Lady Gators Softball Team wrapped up its 2026 regular season Thursday evening with an impressive 17-4 victory over the Evans Lady Knights in Region 1-AAAAA action. The win put the finishing touches on a strong regular-season campaign that saw Ware County earn Runner-Up honors in Region 1-AAAAA.
The Lady Gators came out swinging and never looked back, putting together a strong offensive performance that included 11 hits and several big innings. Ware County took advantage of scoring opportunities throughout the contest and received contributions from players up and down the lineup.
Ware County got things started in the first inning when Kara Coleman brought home a run with a single. Cassidy Lee followed with one of the highlights of the evening, racing around the bases for a two-run inside-the-park home run to give the Lady Gators an early 3-0 lead.
The Lady Gators kept the pressure on Evans in the second inning, adding six more runs to extend their advantage. Addi Pittman delivered one of the biggest hits of the game with a three-run double. Coleman followed with another run-scoring single, and Mattie Forsyth drove in two additional runs with a base hit.
Ware County continued to control the contest before putting together another big inning in the fifth. The Lady Gators pushed eight runs across the plate, highlighted by a two-run triple from Darah Durrance and a two-run double from Reagan Middleton. Lee brought home another run after drawing a walk with the bases loaded, while Forsyth added an RBI single. Natalie Pittman also contributed to the big inning with a two-run single.
Several Lady Gators turned in outstanding performances at the plate. Addi Pittman, Cassidy Lee, Kara Coleman, and Mattie Forsyth each finished with two hits. Pittman, Lee, and Forsyth drove in three runs apiece to lead the offensive effort.
Ware County also showed patience at the plate, drawing nine walks during the contest. Ella Musgrove and Maggie McQuaig each reached base twice on walks, helping create additional scoring opportunities for the Lady Gators.
In the circle, Teriayn Kirkland got the start for Ware County and worked three innings. Kirkland recorded four strikeouts while allowing four hits and three runs. Reagan Middleton came on in relief as the Lady Gators closed out the regular-season victory.
Evans was led offensively by Caroline Pike, who finished with two hits. Emma Mosley, Adriana Hong, Pike, and Norah Whetsel each contributed an RBI for the Lady Knights.
Lady Gators Earn Region 1-AAAAA Runner-Up Finish
Thursday's victory was a strong way to close out the regular season for a Ware County team that has worked hard and competed throughout the year.
The Lady Gators faced their share of challenges during the season, including a demanding region schedule and weather-related adjustments, but continued to battle and put themselves in position to finish near the top of the region standings.
Earning Region 1-AAAAA Runner-Up honors is a credit to the players and coaching staff and the work they have put into the program throughout the year. The Lady Gators have continued to develop as a team, and their performance against Evans was another example of what they are capable of when they put together a complete effort.
The 17-run performance was a great way to finish the regular season and gives Ware County positive momentum heading into postseason play.
Up Next for the Lady Gators
With the regular season complete, Ware County will now turn its attention to the postseason. The Lady Gators will look to carry the momentum from Thursday's win into the next phase of their season as they continue representing Ware County High School and Gator Nation.
Postseason schedules, opponents, and additional game information will be announced as those details become available.
Congratulations to the Lady Gators Softball Team and coaching staff on earning Region 1-AAAAA Runner-Up honors and closing out the regular season with an outstanding victory.
For more photos, please click the link below.
10/8/2026: Ware Vs. Evans* Photos
GO GATORS!