OPINION —
The Opelika High School softball team showed toughness and depth last week, playing eight games in five days and emerging with a 9–2 overall record.
The week opened on the road, where Wetumpka handed Opelika an 8–3 loss on Wednesday. Despite the setback, the Lady Bulldogs produced several hits, including contributions from Jas Smith, Jaylee Williams, JZ Agee, Emily Birmingham and Caylin Morgan.
Opelika quickly bounced back, rattling off five straight victories. The Lady Bulldogs defeated Central of Clay 4–3, Valley 5–1, Montgomery Academy 11–0 and Horseshoe Bend 4–3 before falling to St. James in a tight 4–1 contest to close the week.
OHS 5, Valley 1
Behind standout pitching from Morgan Foley and Emily Birmingham, Opelika controlled its matchup with Valley. The duo combined to allow just one hit and one earned run. Offensively, Jaylee Williams, Foley, Agee and KG Soltau paced the Lady Bulldogs at the plate.
OHS 11, Montgomery Academy 1
Opelika needed only two innings to mercy-rule Montgomery Academy thanks to a no-hitter from J. Agee. The Lady Bulldogs hammered 13 hits despite limited offensive opportunities. Brooks, Clayton, Soltau and Braelynn Brooks each logged two hits, while Smith, Jameria Tucker, Williams, Agee, Birmingham and Erin Kemp contributed hits as well.
OHS 16, Eufaula 2
The bats stayed hot as Opelika rolled past Eufaula in another mercy-rule win. Williams and Clayton led the 12-hit performance with three hits each. Smith and Morgan recorded two hits apiece, while Soltau and Birmingham added additional production.
OHS 4, Horseshoe Bend 3
Foley turned in an excellent outing, striking out five and allowing just one earned run over six innings. Opelika provided enough run support to secure the one-run win.
St. James 4, Opelika 1
St. James ended Opelika’s win streak in a pitching duel. Birmingham pitched a complete game in the loss, while Agee and Clayton posted two hits each. Smith added another hit for the Lady Bulldogs.
Opelika will host Eufaula this Friday, Feb. 6, at West Ridge with first pitch set for 4:30 p.m. Glennwood visits Saturday for an 11 a.m. matchup.
Bulldogs Move to 7–1 After South Alabama Trip
The Opelika baseball team continued its strong start by winning two of three games in South Alabama, improving to 7–1 on the season.
The Bulldogs opened the weekend with a 9–6 win over Robertsdale, overcoming a two-hit deficit. Sigh Siggers, Prince and Hank Hudson each recorded two hits, while Warner McDonald added one. Bryce Turnham earned the win on the mound, throwing four scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Ethan Phipps, Carter Gardner and Pilate closed the game in relief.
Opelika fell 7–0 to Fairhope in Game Two, with Siggers, Holcey and Riddle tallying the Bulldogs’ lone hits.
The team rebounded with a dramatic 3–2 win over Hueytown. Landon Rudd earned the victory and helped his own cause with two hits. Tidwell, McDonald, Turnham, Branch and Lancaster all added hits. Siggers recorded the final six outs to secure the save.
Opelika returns home this weekend to face Headland at 11 a.m. and Elmore County at 4 p.m. at Bulldog Park.
TENNIS
The Opelika boys tennis team played twice last week, falling 9–1 to Columbus High School and 6–3 to Pike Road. Anderson Melnic and Jake Caldwell earned wins, and the doubles team of Tatum and Melnick claimed an 8–4 victory.
Opelika DBB Baseball (ages 13 through 15) Registration begins March 15 at the Opelika Sportsplex. (The league is open to anyone between the ages of 13 and 15).
All players registering will be on a team. Games will start in late April through early June at West Ridge Park. If you have questions, please email D. Mark Mitchell @ foxonthemark@yahoo.com.
D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
