The Chattanooga Christian School softball team's senior night was for just one player this year, and after an emotional pregame ceremony, catcher Emily Matthews added to her personal celebration Thursday by delivering the biggest hit of the evening.
Stepping to the plate after back-to-back singles by sophomores Neely Fillman and Hannah Smith, the University of North Alabama signee pulled her hands inside a fastball that she lifted over the left-field fence for a three-run homer to make it 4-0 in the second inning.
The big swing by Matthews — it was her third home run of the season — would prove to be vital as CCS built its big lead early, then held off GPS for a 5-3 win in TSSAA Division II-AA East Region competition.
"Every day we take batting practice, Emily is hitting home runs out to the pavilion that is nearly 300 feet from home plate," Chargers coach Steven Rogers said. "I couldn't draw up a better senior night for our leader. She is our quarterback on the field and did a great job running practices this offseason. She has all the girls together. I can't be more proud of her."
With her No. 12 painted behind home plate, Matthews worked well in tandem with Smith, who started in the pitching circle and worked through trouble in the fourth and fifth before blanking the Bruisers in their final two innings. That included navigating the most dangerous part of the lineup as GPS sent its 1-2-3 hitters to the plate in the final frame.
Smith was supported by top-of-the-line defense as Erin Matthews made great picks at first base along with a leaping catch on a line drive, while shortstop Addi Lewis recorded big putouts with her sure glove and strong arm for CCS, the state runners-up in DII-AA a year ago to eight-time reigning champion Baylor.
The Chargers (10-9, 1-1) also recorded 11 hits Thursday, with Smith showcasing her skills in the leadoff spot as the sophomore slapper reached base safely all four times — once on a double — and scored twice. Fillman, Lewis and Emily Matthews had a pair of hits each, while Alli Matthews hit a line-drive single in the first inning, driving in a run and jump-starting the offense.
"Hannah led our team in batting average last year and is doing so again this year while really being our ace in the circle, too," Rogers said. "Her IQ at the plate is off the charts, and she earns her hits. She is a power slapper. She is very strong and works well with Emily behind the plate. Our defense was great tonight and kind of killed some rallies for GPS."
GPS eighth grader Addi Smith gave life to the visitors as she pitched 4 2/3 innings in relief and did not allow an earned run or a walk while scattering five hits. She also cut the Bruisers' deficit to 5-3 in the fifth when she hit a sacrifice fly.
The Bruisers (7-7, 5-1) were led at the plate by senior Emma Leinberger, who went 3-for-4 with an RBI single in the fifth. Ansley Bratcher and Jayla Gladden both doubled, and Aidyn Lawrence added a run-scoring hit.
After losing 6-3 earlier this season at GPS, the Chargers earned their payback.
"This was definitely the most memorable home run I have hit in my career so far," Emily Matthews said. "I have had so many great seniors come before me here that I have looked up to like Lauren Kay and Madison Vandergriff. While I may be the only senior, I haven't had to lead all on my own. My teammates have helped me through it all."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.