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HIGH SCHOOL

Farragut softball flexes muscle against Bearden

Mike Blackerby
Special to USA TODAY Network - Tennessee

Based on early returns, stamp Farragut High School as one of the area softball teams to watch this spring.

Led by senior slugger Lexee Lamoree, the Lady Admirals (9-1, 2-0 in District 4-AAA) handled visiting Bearden 11-1 on Tuesday night in a game called in the sixth inning because of the 10-run rule.

Lamoree, a senior who has signed with Chattanooga, went 4-for-4 with two home runs and seven RBIs against the Lady Bulldogs (0-7, 0-2).

She had a two-run home run in a five-run first inning, an RBI double in the second, a solo homer in the fourth and a three-run double in the sixth.

“I think she’s as good as anybody in the state,” said veteran Farragut coach David Moore.

Farragut's Lexee Lamoree hits a 3-run double against Bearden at Farragut High School on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Farragut defeated Bearden 10-1. At left is Bearden’s Christianne Alvarez.

“She’s just an outstanding hitter. She makes us go.”

The Lady Admirals pounded out 12 hits against Bearden, which despite the lopsided loss made several outstanding plays in the field.

Kelsie Tuggle and Andrea Sarhatt each had two hits for Farragut, which returns five starters from last season. Tuggle singled in the game-ending run in the sixth. Both are key players for Farragut, according to Moore.

“Andrea has committed to ETSU, and she gives us good speed near the top of the order. Tuggle is our clean-up hitter, and she has done a great job.”

Farragut's Delaney Weller catches a fly ball during the game against Bearden at Farragut High School on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Farragut defeated Bearden 10-1.

Senior Callie Moore, who will play for Roane State, fanned six, walked none and gave up five hits to pick up the win in the circle.

Bearden’s Shakara Goodloe provided big thrills in the game’s opening at-bat as she turned a liner past first base that reached the right-field corner into an inside-the-park home run. The speedy Goodloe also had a bunt single.

Farragut already owns impressive wins over traditional powers Gibbs, Dickson County and Waverly this season.

“Those were three big wins last week,” said Moore, who will try and get Farragut back to the state tournament for the first time since 2008.

The Lady Admirals won their only state softball title in 1982.

“We’re pretty deep and versatile,” said Moore.

“We have some good chemistry, and a good mix of young and older players. I’ve got a special feeling about this team.”

Mike Blackerby is a freelance contributor.