The Johns Creek Lady Gladiators fell 16-8 at Collins Hill on Monday, Sept. 28, after the Eagles erupted for eight runs in the fifth inning to blow the game open.
The loss snapped a strong stretch for head coach Jim Ernst's squad and dropped Johns Creek to 17-4 overall and 5-1 in 6A Region 7, according to MaxPreps. The Lady Gladiators had held first place in the region standings earlier this season and set the program's single-season wins record with their 16th victory, a 6-4 home win over Lanier on Sept. 15. They pushed the mark to 17 wins before the Sept. 28 loss.
The two teams traded runs through the early innings, keeping the outcome in doubt. Then Collins Hill's fifth-inning outburst put the game out of reach, according to a Johns Creek Athletics recap.
Reese Stiltner led the Lady Gladiators at the plate with a multi-hit game. Stiltner has been a consistent offensive force all season, including a two-hit, two-RBI performance against Norcross on Aug. 24. Addie Grindle and Isla Wells each collected hits as well.
Zelda Arthur reached base three times on walks and stole two bases. Kennedy Brewer came off the bench to deliver a pinch-hit RBI triple.
Kennedy Brewer's triple was one of several moments that kept Johns Creek competitive before the fifth inning unraveled.
The defensive highlight belonged to Audrey Lafon. She leaped to snag a screaming line drive, then fired to first to double off the runner. Lafon has been a standout in the field throughout the season, with the Norcross recap on Aug. 24 also noting her outstanding defensive plays.
The Sept. 28 result was a sharp reversal from the teams' first meeting. Johns Creek shut out Collins Hill 8-0 on Aug. 12.
The Lady Gladiators beat Riverwood 11-8 in nine innings on Tuesday, Sept. 29, improving to 18-4 overall and 6-1 in region. After that, the schedule stays busy: home against Lanier on Oct. 1, at Forsyth Central on Oct. 5, home against Gainesville on Oct. 6 and home against Milton on Oct. 8.
