'Canes Avenge Early Season Loss, Beat Tigers, 7-4.

Having the game time delayed by nearly an hour wasn't enough to get the Hurricanes off their focus, last night.

The Gainesville softball squad (12-2) hosted the Union County Fightin’ Tigers (10-2) with the hopes of avenging last month’s 9-5 loss at Tigers Field. Though Union County jumped ahead 2-0 in the top of the first, ‘Canes coach Chris Chronister showed no signs of concern, cruising to a 7-4 win.

“I said to the team ‘We have seven innings to play, it’s a long game. Don’t get down on yourselves.’ Our motto is that we’re going to try and score every inning,” Chronister said.

Runs weren’t posted all seven innings by the ‘Canes, but the in the bottom of the first, the bats rang.

Gainesville’s Olivia Hanson belted an RBI-single, giving the the ‘Canes a moment to exhale. With the bases loaded, Hallie Karas conquered a pitch and sent it deep into right field to bring home two more. Savannah Fox felt it was her turn to make some magic happen and brought home a run of her own.

Just as quick as they were down two, GHS led by four after the first. From then on, it was all about defense.

“We knew they were going to try and come in and small ball us, bunt a lot. I think we protected against that pretty well. We did great,” Karas said.

What did Fox think about the early deficit? She didn't bat an eyelash.

“I knew we had it,” Fox said convincingly. “I was so confident in my team. We had a great practice yesterday and I just had this vibe from the girls like ‘You know what? I’m not even worried.’ We could be down eight and come out on top and win this game.”

Though the ‘Canes are coming off a state championship run from last season, Fox said the mindset is focused on a district title. Every game after that is a bonus.

But for right now, Karas just wants to live in the moment.

“We have really good chemistry. I know we all love doing what we do out here,” she smiled. “We come every day and we know we want to work hard. We know it will pay off in the end.”