Softball Game Preview: McMinn County Cherokees vs. Rhea County Golden Eagles

McMinn County hasn't had much luck against Rhea County recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Cherokees will be playing in front of their home fans against the Golden Eagles at 5:30 p.m. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.

McMinn County took a seven-run loss the last time they faced off against Bradley Central, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Cherokees came out on top in a nail-biter against the Bears on Thursday, sneaking past 5-4.

Bailey Derrick spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and three unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up seven Ks.

Trinity Riedel

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/03/25 vs Bradley Central	2
04/15/24 vs Bradley Central	1
04/01/24 @ Howard Tech	1
03/25/24 vs Howard Tech	1
03/14/24 @ Loudon	1

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Trinity Riedel, who went 1-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. Those two RBI gave her a new career-high.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Rhea County, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Bledsoe County a 2-0 shutout on Monday.

The result came thanks to Allie Shaver's shutout, as she gave up just four hits and racked up nine Ks. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 5.1 strikeouts per game.

At the plate, Lakyn Lockhart was excellent, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.

McMinn County's win bumped their record up to 5-10. As for Rhea County, their victory bumped their record up to 7-8.

McMinn County might still be hurting after the 12-5 defeat they got from Rhea County in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Cherokees have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.