Softball Recap: Cherokee Comes Up Short

Cherokee extended their losing streak to four on Thursday, dropping them down to 4-7. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 7-6 heartbreaker at the hands of the Copper Basin Cougars. That's two games in a row now that the Braves have lost by just one run.

As for Copper Basin, their win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 9-5. They've had to fight for that success though, as they only beat their opponents by an average of one runs across that stretch.

For Copper Basin's part, Caitlin Pack and Kinsley Ross made a splash no matter where they played. On the mound, Pack tossed 7.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off nine hits. Meanwhile, Ross tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, Pack posted four strikeouts, the most she's had since back in April of 2025. At the plate, Pack went 2-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double, while Ross went 2-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and one double. Pack is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played.

In other batting news, Riley Akens was excellent, going 1-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double. Kloie Ballew was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Cherokee will host Murphy at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Bulldogs' pitching crew has only allowed 3.2 runs per game this season, so the Braves' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Copper Basin, they will welcome Hiwassee Dam at 5:00 p.m. on Monday.