Athletes Beyond Bartow: The past week's update for locals playing college softball and baseball

This week's 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' baseball and softball update for locals contributing at their respective collegiate programs across the southeastern United States.

Clifton Dempsey (photo) at NCAA D-III Maryville College (TN) is among 17 baseball players and 13 softball players in this week's update. Bartow Sports Zone maintains a roster with collegiate links on our 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' page of this website and we update recent results for athletes periodically. NOTE: Track & Field, Wrestling, Tennis, and Basketball will appear in a separate article this week.

SOFTBALL

BETHANY BALLARD — Armstrong State University (Jr., Cass HS) . . . catcher, has appeared in eight games for the Pirates and has two doubles while going 4-for-9 at the plate (.444) with a a run scored and four RBI. Ballard had three hits and two RBI March 5 at Fort Valley State in a 19-3 win. ASU is 16-6 on the season and opens Peach Belt Conference play March 12 by hosting a doubleheader with the defending NCAA D-II national champs, University of North Georgia.

SYDNEY FLOWERS — Reinhardt University (Jr., Woodland HS) . . . the Eagles’ third baseman went 2-for-19 last week in six games with one RBI and a sacrifice hit. Reinhardt collected wins over Lindenwood-Belleville (IL), Saint Thomas University, Middle Georgia State College, and USC-Beaufort at the Gulf Shores Invitational. The Eagles had losses to Concordia (MI) and 7th-ranked University of Mobile during the tournament. RU is now 12-7 and opens Appalachian Athletic Conference play at Truett-McConnell College with a doubleheader March 8 before traveling to the Snowbird Invitational in Myrtle Beach, SC for nine games March 9-12.

LACEY FRITZ — Southeastern Louisiana University (Jr., Woodland HS) . . . had a pinch hitting appearance in a 3-1 loss to University of Texas-Arlington March 5. Fritz has appeared in 11 games, starting four. The Lions were 0-4 for the week and are now 12-8 for the season. Southeastern plays at Southern Mississippi March 8 before opening Southland Conference play at home March 11-12 in a three-game series with Abilene Christian University. BRIDGETT HAMPTON -- Walters State CC (Fr., Woodland HS) . . . has 11 plate appearances in 11 games. She has a pair of hits and has scored two runs with a .182 batting average. WSCC is 12-3 overall and 4-0 in the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association. The Lady Senators play at Dyersburg State (TN) March 11-12 in a four game series.

SYDNEY HODORFF — LaGrange College (Fr., Woodland HS) . . . has started seven games and appear in eight for the Panthers. She has a .389 batting average (7-for-18) and two RBI with a homerun and two doubles. Hordorff went 3-for-5 with a walk and two RBI March 5 in a doubleheader split at Maryville College. LaGrange is 5-5 overall and 1-3 in the USA South Athletic Conference. The Panthers open an eight-game homestand March 9 with Berry College, followed by a doubleheader with Wesleyan College (GA) March 16.

SAVANNA HUTCHINS — Cleveland State CC (Fr., Cass HS) . . . coaxed a walk and scored a run in two plate appearances during a doubleheader sweep Feb. 29 of University of the Cumberlands’ JV. The Lady Cougars play a doubleheader at Gordon State (GA) College March 8 before hosting a pair of doubleheaders against Jackson State (TN) CC March 11-12. CSCC is 10-2 on the season and 2-2 in the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association.

HUNTER IRVIN — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) . . . was 0-for-4 in a game against St. Thomas University at the Gulf Shores Invitational March 6. For the season, she has a .125 batting average with two walks and two RBI. RU is now 12-7 and opens Appalachian Athletic Conference play at Truett-McConnell College with a doubleheader March 8 before traveling to the Snowbird Invitational in Myrtle Beach, SC for nine games March 9-12.

MALLORY JACKSON — Georgia Highlands CC (Fr., Woodland HS) . . . had one hit in the first game of a doubleheader with East Georgia CC March 5. The Chargers lost both games of the conference matchup and fell to 11-21 overall and 1-3 in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association. Jackson has a .181 batting average with two homers, 12 RBI, and five walks in 27 appearances. The Chargers are now 11-21 overall and 1-3 in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association. Highlands hosts Southern Union State CC in a doubleheader March 9 and returns to conference play March 12 with a doubleheader at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

ASHLEY JORDAN — Georgia Highlands CC (Soph, Woodland HS) . . . the Chargers’ outfielder is hitting .323 with 12 RBI and seven stolen bases through 32 games. Defensively, Jordan has a .956 fielding percentage in 45 chances. The Chargers are 11-21 overall and 1-3 in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association. They host Southern Union State CC in a doubleheader March 9 and return to conference play March 12 with a doubleheader at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

KAILAH RAIN — Embry-Riddle University (Soph., Cartersville HS) . . . went 2-for-15 last week in five games, but is 20-for-63 for the season for a .317 batting average. She has five extra base hits and five RBI and has started all 21 games in the outfield for the Eagles. Rain has stolen seven bases and has not made an error. She also has a pair of outfield assists. ERU (15-6 overall, 4-5 in the SSC) hosts a doubleheader with American International College (MA) March 8 and a doubleheader with Fisher College (MA) March 9 before traveling to University of Tampa March 11-12 for a three-game, Sunshine State Conference series.

TAYLOR WEEKS — Reinhardt University (Jr., Adairsville HS) . . . went 12-for-21 in six games at the Gulf Shores Invitational last week as the Eagles went 4-2. The Eagles’ outfielder now has a .339 batting average with 11 RBI, a pair of doubles, and six walks. Reinhardt collected wins over Lindenwood-Belleville (IL), Saint Thomas University, Middle Georgia State College, and USC-Beaufort at the Gulf Shores Invitational. The Eagles suffered losses to Concordia (MI) and 7th-ranked University of Mobile during the invitational. Reinhardt is now 12-7 and opens Appalachian Athletic Conference play at Truett-McConnell College with a doubleheader March 8 before traveling to the Snowbird Invitational in Myrtle Beach, SC for nine games March 9-12. RANDI WIMPY — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) . . . the 2015 NAIA All-American has picked right up where she left off one year ago, with a .519 batting average (28-for-54) through 18 games. The Eagles’ senior catcher has 5 homers, 15 extra base hits, 12 walks, and 26 RBI. She also fashions a 1.019 slugging percentage and an on-base percentage of .609. Reinhardt was 4-2 last week at the Gulf Shores Invitational and is now 12-7 overall. The Eagles open Appalachian Athletic Conference play at Truett-McConnell College with a doubleheader March 8 before traveling to the Snowbird Invitational in Myrtle Beach, SC for nine games March 9-12.

LAUREN WOMACK — Georgia Highlands CC (Fr., Cass HS) . . . went 4-for-6 with a run scored and one RBI in a doubleheader loss to East Georgia CC March 5. Womack is now hitting .292 with seven RBI, seven runs scored, four doubles, and 5 stolen bases in 32 games played. The Chargers are now 11-21 overall and 1-3 in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association. GHC hosts Southern Union State CC in a doubleheader March 9 and returns to conference play March 12 with a doubleheader at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

ANNALYN YANTIS — Samford University (Fr., Cartersville HS) . . . has made three pitching appearances for the Bulldogs, with two innings pitched. Yantis has allowed a pair of earned runs on four hits and two walks. She worked the seventh inning this past week in an 8-4 loss at Jacksonville State University. Samford was 4-1 for the week with wins over Alabama-Birmingham and Tennessee State, along with winning two of three at Jacksonville State. The Bulldogs play at 4th-ranked Alabama March 8 and will play in the Maverick Classic in Arlington, TX March 11-13 facing 15th-ranked Arizona twice, UT-Arlington twice, and 24th-ranked Texas.

BASEBALL

CLIFTON DEMPSEY — Maryville College (Soph., Cartersville HS) . . . went 3-for-4 March 1 in a 10-6 win at Emory & Henry … was 2-for-3 scoring a run and driving in two in a 15-1 series opening win against Covenant College March 4 and had one hit in the third game of the series March 5. Dempsey is now hitting .421 for the season in 38 at bats with a pair of doubles and five RBI. He has also stolen four bases. Maryville went 4-0 last week and is now 14-3 overall and 5-1 in the USA South Athletic Conference. The Scots host conference opponent, Averett (VA) University, in a three-game series March 12-13 and host Emory & Henry March 14.

BO EDWARDS — University North Georgia (R-Sr., Adairsville HS) . . .had two at bats and drove home a run in an appearance March 4 at Georgia College. UNG won 11-1 at Anderson University March 2, but was swept in a three-game Peach Belt Conference series at Georgia College March 4-6. The Nighthawks host conference foe, UNC-Pembroke March 11-13 in Dahlonega.

BRANDON ETHERIDGE — Georgia Highlands CC (Soph., Cass HS) . . .scored a run and coaxed a walk in a 1-for-5 performance as the Chargers’ defeated Cuyahoga CC 10-4 on March 4… went 1-for-3 with a walk and scored two runs in a 6-1 win over Guilford Tech CC March 5 … walked twice and went 1-for-2 with a run scored in an 8-6 loss to Guilford March 5 … finished 1-for-4 with a walk, run scored, and RBI in a 9-1 win over Guilford March 6. The GHC left fielder is hitting .280 with 6 RBI and 5 stolen bases in 21 games. The Chargers are 13-9 overall and host Wallace State-Hanceville (DH) March 8, Central Alabama CC (DH) March 11, and play Triton College (IL) and Jefferson College (MO) on Saturday, March 12. All games at LakePoint in Emerson.

TY FOWLER -- Tennessee Wesley College (Jr., Cartersville HS). . . made one appearance last week working 1 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and one run. That was the first run he has allowed this year as he has now thrown 5 1/3 innings and allowed five hits, no walks and has seven strikeouts.

ROBERT HARRIS — Troy University (Sr., Woodland HS) . . . made three relief appearances last week, working 2 and 2/3 innings at home against Alabama, an inning and one-third against Auburn, and one inning against Michigan State. The Auburn and Michigan State games were part of the Cox Diamond Invitational in Pensacola, FL. Harris yielded only one earned run (vs. 23rd-ranked Alabama), five hits, and struck out five in the three appearances combined. His season ERA stands at 0.87 in 10 and 1/3 innings over six appearances. The Trojans record stands at 8-5. Troy plays at Samford March 8, at Jacksonville State March 9, and opens Sun Belt Conference play with a home, three-game series with Louisiana-Lafayette March 11-13.

HARRISON HATFIELD — Shorter University (Soph, Cartersville HS) . . .was 0-for-3, but drew a pair of walks in a home doubleheader sweep of Mississippi College March 5. . . went 1-for-4 with one RBI vs. Mississippi College March 6 as the Hawks completed a Gulf South Conference sweep of the Choctaws, 3-2. Hatfield has three starts and eight appearances for Shorter (10-9 overall; 4-5 GSC). The Hawks travel to Lincoln Memorial University March 8 and play a three-game, conference series at Valdosta State University March 12-13.

BRADLEY HOOD — Georgia Highlands CC (Fr., Cass HS) . . . the right hand pitcher was called on for two innings allowing no runs, hits, or walks in a 10-2 victory over Cuyahoga CC (OH) March 4 …Hood pitched 1 and 2/3 innings March 5 in an 8-6 loss to Guilford Tech CC (NC). He allowed no runs on four hits with a pair of strikeouts. He has now worked 7 and 2/3 innings on the season, striking out six with a 3.52 ERA. The Chargers are 13-9 overall and host Wallace State-Hanceville (DH) March 8, Central Alabama CC (DH) March 11, and play Triton College (IL) and Jefferson College (MO) on Saturday, March 12. All games at LakePoint in Emerson.

TRIPP JAMIESON — Univ. of the Cumberlands (Jr., Cartersville HS) . . . was 1-for-4 with one RBI in a 2-1 wn over University of Cincinnati-Clermont March 6 … Jamieson has a .278 batting average (10-for-36) in 15 games and 12 starts at first base. He has 2 homeruns, 12 RBI, and five extra base hits for a .556 slugging percentage. The Patriots won three of four games with UC-Clermont March 5-6 and lost to Culver-Stockton College March 2. U of C’s record is now 13-4. They host Berea (KY) College March 8, a doubleheader with Summit (PA) University March 9, and travel to 19th-ranked Campbellsville University for a three-game series March 11-12.

CONNOR JUSTUS — Georgia Tech (Jr., Cartersville HS) . . . went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and one RBI during an 11-6 win over Georgia State March 1. . . drove in a run and scored one while going 1-for-5 in a series opening 5-4 home win over Western Carolina March 4 . . . scored twice and had three RBI in a 3-for-5 performance March 5 in a 14-3 home win over Western Carolina. . . scored two runs and drove in one on a hit and three walks in a 4-3 home win over Western Carolina March 6. . . The 13th-ranked Jackets have started the season 11-0 and hit the road for games at Auburn March 8 followed by a three-game series at Florida State March 11-13.

SEAN McDERMOTT — Cleveland State CC (Fr., Adairsville HS) . . . had one hit and one walk in a three-game, home series with Volunteer State CC March 4-5. . . doubled and went 1-for-5 with a run scored in a home loss to Gordon State College March 2. McDermott has a .283 batting average through 14 games with five RBI and three extra base hits. CSCC is 7-8 overall and 2-1 in the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association. The Cougars host Clark State (OH) CC for a doubleheader March 9 and host a three-game, conference series with Jackson State (TN) CC March 11-12.

CHRIS MORTON — Georgia Highlands CC (Fr., Cass HS) . . .worked one inning March 5 and struck out one batter in an 8-6 loss to Guilford Tech CC (NC)… pitched one inning March 6 against Guilford Tech CC in a 9-1 victory and walked one batter. The Chargers are 13-9 overall and host Wallace State-Hanceville (DH) March 8, Central Alabama CC (DH) March 11, and play Triton College (IL) and Jefferson College (MO) on Saturday, March 12. All games at LakePoint in Emerson.

HUNTER OSBORN — Reinhardt University (Soph., Cartersville HS) . . . the RHP is 3-0 in five starts for the Eagles. He has recorded 16 strikeouts in 26.2 innings pitched with a 1.01 ERA. He went 6 innings, allowing four hits and two walks with one strikeout, but no decision in a 1-0 win over Union College (KY) March 5. The Eagles swept a three-game series with Union March 5-6 to improve to 16-5 overall and 3-0 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. RU hosts Viterbo University (WI) for single games March 8-9 and hosts conference opponent, Montreat College (NC) in a three-game series March 11-12.

MASON ROBINSON — Wallace State-Dothan CC (Soph., Woodland HS) . . . had a 3-for-5 performance with a run scored, a triple, and three RBI in a 10-3 win over Faulkner University March 3. WSDCC lost at Pensacola State College March 2 and lost at Gulf Coast State CC March 4. Robinson has a .188 batting average through 14 games and 48 at bats. He has one homerun and five extra base hits. He has drawn ten walks, driven in six runs, and stolen five bases. The Governors are now 11-6 and have games at Alabama Southern CC (DH) March 9, home against ASCC (DH) March 10, and home vs. Black Hawk College March 15.

TRISTON SMITH — Young Harris College (Soph., Adairsville HS) . . . started all four games this past week at shortstop as the Mountain Lions went 2-2 against Cedarville University and Augusta University. Smith went 5-for-15 at the plate with a pair of doubles and one RBI. Defensively he has been part of two double plays and has made only one error in 28 chances in seven games played. YHC is 6-11 overall and 1-8 in the Peach Belt Conference. The Mountain Lions play at Tusculum College March 8 and host a three-game conference series with Flagler College March 11-13. JO JO UNDERWOOD — University of North Carolina-Greensboro (Jr., Cartersville HS) . . . went 0-for-2 in a 16-2 win over Army on March 4 … played third base and was 0-for-1 in a 6-4 loss to Army March 6. Underwood is 1-for-6 with a double and 2 RBI for the season. The Spartans (8-3) host UNC-Wilmington March 9 and will play in the Coastal Carolina Invitational March 11-12 in Conway, SC where they will play Illinois and Coastal Carolina two games each. TYLER WILL — Berry College (Jr., Cartersville HS) . . . the RHP made a two inning appearance during a 12-8 home loss to Transylvania (KY) University March 5. Will gave up a pair of runs, only one earned run, on three hits. He struck out two. Berry went 1-3 last week winning one of three with Transylvania and lost at home to Emory March 1. The Vikings (13-4 overall, 2-1 Southern Athletic Association) play LaGrange College at Thomas University March 8 and return home for a conference, three-game series with Hendrix College March 12-13.

ASA WILLIAMS — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) . . . was the starting catcher for fellow former Cartersville Hurricane, Hunter Osborn, in a 1-0 defeat of Union College (KY) March 5. Williams was 0-for-3 at the plate in the contest. He now has a .226 batting average with two doubles and six RBI in 31 at bats. The Eagles swept a three-game series with Union March 5-6 to improve to 16-5 overall and 3-0 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. RU hosts Viterbo University (WI) for single games March 8-9 and hosts conference opponent, Montreat College (NC) in a three-game series March 11-12.

CHAZ WILSON — Columbus State University (Jr., Cass HS) . . . the right-handed reliever worked three innings in a pair of appearances last week as the 13th-ranked Cougars went 4-1. Wilson pitched the final two innings of a 3-1 loss at Auburn-Montgomery March 2, holding the Warhawks to no runs while striking out three. He also pitched a scoreless final inning of a 10-3 win over Saginaw Valley State University March 5. He has now pitched 10 and 1/3 innings in six relief appearances with 11 strikeouts, 6 walks, with a 1.74 ERA, and opponents are hitting only .152 against him. Columbus State (16-4 overall, 5-1 PBC) plays at Tuskegee University March 9 and will host a Peach Belt Conference series with Georgia College March 11-13.

Have we missed someone in the above sport? Please let us know. Use our contact page on this site or the link provided on the 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' page of this website. You may also email: bartowsportszone@comcast.net to provide information.