Lady Tigers win Commerce Invitational

The Commerce Tigers (8-3) dominated the competition Saturday at the second annual Commerce Invitational.

The round-robin tournament, which hosted five teams, helped raise funds for the Lady Tigers to pay for officials and other miscellaneous expenses.

The Tigers came out swinging in their first game of the tournament against West Hall. Pitcher Jenna Thomas held West Hall to only three runs, while she drove in three runs herself. Rachel Floyd added four RBIs and Hannah Crumley scored three times, earning the Tigers a 10-3 victory in their first game of the tournament.

Commerce went on to defeat Lincoln County (14-1). Bridgett Barnett, Jenna Thomas, Libby Lance and Mattie Canup all posted several RBIs helping the Tigers blow past Lincoln County and on to their next opponent, Towns County.

After a scoreless first and second inning, Towns posted the first score of the game in the bottom of the third. Commerce rallied in the fifth with the help of some strong batting by Rachel Floyd (2-3) and Bridgett Barnett (2-4). Head Coach Pam Canup praised both Floyd and Savannah Barnett for sacrificing runners into scoring position.

That was when we really got things going,” advised Canup.

The Tigers were able to shut down the Indians at the plate for the remainder of the game, knocking off Towns County 5-1.

Commerce then went on to defeat Chestatee 5-2, earning a spot in the championship game against West Hall.

Bridgett Barnett pitched an almost flawless game, allowing West Hall only a single hit and no runs scored. The Tigers quickly jumped out to a commanding lead and once again plated over 10 runs. Mattie Canup (3-4, 4 RBIs) and Libby Lance (2 -3, 3 RBIs) helped the Tigers to an eventual 11-0 victory.

Canup made note of the Tigers’ excellent batting averages during the tournament.

“We did a good job of making contact,” said Canup. “We’ve been really focusing on just putting the ball in play.”

The Tigers earned five victories in the tournament, all of which will greatly improve their weekly power rating and increase their shot at making the playoffs.

Canup expressed enthusiasm concerning how well her Tigers have been playing and is looking forward to region play this week.

“We have had some great defensive play so far. We’ve played 11 games and have had 12 sacrifices so far,” she said. “They are enjoying working together and really having fun. I hope this keeps up.”

The Tigers were scheduled to play their first region game at Athens Christian on Tuesday, August 21. Details were unavailable at press time.

Commerce will host region rival Prince Avenue Christian Thursday, August 23, at 4:45 p.m. at the CPRD.