Softball Recap: Cottondale Triumphs

While Cottondale's win against Marianna wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Hornets skirted past the Bulldogs 6-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Hornets have posted since April 14, 2025.

Annelise Skipper was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out 15 over seven innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run.

Mattea Mae Lehr

Hits (Career)

03/20/26 vs Marianna	3
03/17/26 vs Altha	1
03/14/26 @ Altha	1
03/14/26 @ Abbeville Christian Academy	1
03/02/26 vs Blountstown	1

Skipper wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Mattea Mae Lehr, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one run. Those three hits gave Lehr a new career-high. Karmen Benefield was another, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one run.

Cottondale was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .391. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Cottondale has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 7-5 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.2 runs over those games. As for Marianna, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 4-9.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming matchups. Cottondale will have some time to savor their victory since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Sneads at 6:00 p.m. on the 31st. As for Marianna, they will challenge North Florida Christian at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.