SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. (Sept. 29) — The Johns Creek Lady Gladiators moved into sole possession of first place in the region 7-AAAAAA Tuesday night with an exciting 11-8 extra-inning victory over the Riverwood Raiders at Riverwood High School.
In what proved to be one of the most thrilling games of the season, the Lady Gladiators battled through nine innings before pulling away to secure the win and improve their overall record to 18-4.
Johns Creek's offense was led by Reese Stiltner, who delivered a standout performance at the plate, collecting three hits in five at-bats while driving in three runs. Allie Lafon also turned in a multi-hit effort, going 3-for-6 with an RBI.
Additional hits came from Zelda Arthur, Uma Pittman, Addie Grindle, Audrey Lafon, and Isla Wells as the Gladiators continually applied pressure throughout the game. Addie Grindle also swiped 3 bases during the game.
One of the biggest moments came in the top of the ninth inning when Claire Dennis sparked the game-winning rally with a key hit that helped ignite the Johns Creek offense.
While the bats came through in crucial situations, the performance of the night belonged to Uma Pittman in the circle. Pittman threw a complete game and battled through adversity all evening, keeping the Raiders at bay and earning the hard-fought victory. She even delivered at the plate driving in what would be the winning runs with a base hit to right field in the top of the 9th.
The extra-inning win stands as one of the most exciting triumphs of the season for the Lady Gladiators and puts them alone atop the region standings heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Johns Creek will look to continue its momentum on Thursday when the Lady Gladiators host Lanier at 6 p.m.
