Softball Game Preview: Hiwassee Dam Eagles vs. Cherokee Braves

For the second straight game, Hiwassee Dam will face off against Cherokee. The Eagles will venture away from home to challenge the Braves at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Hiwassee Dam is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.1 runs per game this season.

Hiwassee Dam will roll into the matchup after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Friday, then bounced right back against Cherokee on Tuesday. The Eagles put the hurt on the Braves with a sharp 16-1 win. The game marked the Eagles' most dominant victory of the season.

Olivia McNabb was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). McNabb was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.

Gracie Rhodes

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/01/25 vs Cherokee	5
04/22/24 vs Andrews	4
03/19/24 @ Andrews	4
03/18/25 @ Hayesville	3
03/21/25 vs Hayesville	1

In other batting news, Hiwassee Dam let Sky Taylor and Gracie Rhodes run wild. Taylor went 2-for-3 with five RBI and two runs, while Rhodes went 2-for-3 with five RBI and one stolen base. Those five RBI gave Rhodes a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Avery McNabb, who scored four runs while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.

Hiwassee Dam always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .647. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Hiwassee Dam's record is now 4-5. As for Cherokee, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-2.