FLOWERY BRANCH — Flowery Branch was swept by Marist in the Region 7-4A championship series Wednesday at the Hog Mountain Sports Complex.
The Lady Falcons came into the tournament as the No. 1 seed but fell to the Lady War Eagles 2-1 and 5-4 in a pair of nail-biters.
Flowery Branch senior Alyssa Kimbrell allowed just two runs on eight hits but lost a pitcher's duel to Marist pitcher Lexi Van Metre, who surrendered just one unearned run on two hits in the first game. The game was tied 1-1 until Marist scored a run in the top of the seventh for the game-winner.
In the second game, Flowery Branch jusmped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning but could not hold on. Flowery Branch's senior pitching combination of starter Valerie Eder and Kimbrell gave up five earned runs on 13 hits while striking out 2.
Meanwhile, White County swept Chestatee in the third place series taking 4-0 and 5-4 victories in Cleveland.
White County won the second game with a run in the seventh to break a 4-4 tie and capture the No. 3 seed.
Region 7-4A will take on Region 6-4A in the upcoming state tournament. Marist and Flowery Branch will play host to first round games while White County and Chestatee will hit the road in the opening round.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/10/720168/softball-branch-falls-to-marist-in-7-4a-finals-white-county-beats-chestatee-for-no-3-seed