By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools /Communications Director
Union City spotted Gibson County six first-inning runs, then roared back to beat the Lady Pioneers 18-10 in middle school softball on Thursday.
Sadie Gregg smacked a home run to highlight her 3-for-4 day at the plate and drove in four runs to lead UC to the victory in its home-opener.
Keatyn Hall had three hits and scored four runs, Ella Grace Howell tripled twice and scored twice, and Amanda McPhearson crossed the plate three times and had a pair of RBIs for the Twister girls, who evened their record at 1-1.
Union City, which scored in every frame, took the lead (11-10) with a pair of runs in the fourth, then put away the visitors with a seven-run fifth inning.
Austyn Dilday was the benefactor of the offensive outburst and picked up the pitching victory. She struck out five Gibson County batters.
UC will play host to Henry County on Tuesday.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY
Union City showed good promise in its final jamboree of the preseason at Dresden.
With the competition broken down by classes, Brody Fields led all 8th graders in the multi-team field with a time of 5:34. Fields’ teammate, Cooper Waggoner, was second overall among 7th graders, and part of UC’s trio of medalists, after crossing the finish line at 5:47.
Will D. McKinnis recorded a Top 20 finish at 6:35 in the 8th-grade run.
Walker Gray (38th) and Walton Harder (59th) also competed with other 8th graders, while Owen Shannon (28th) represented the Tornadoes in the 7th-grade race.
Union City had a pair of medalists in the 8th-grade girls’ competition. Stella Graham (7:40) came in 12th, with Chloe Baumgardner (7:44) right behind her.
Ella Duncan placed 36th among 6th graders.
UCMS will begin its regular season at Milan on Monday.
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF
Gavin McGuire continued his strong play, locking up medalist honors with a 35 to lead the Twister boys’ team to a runaway win over Dresden at Persimmon Hills in Sharon.
Union City finished at 164 overall, far ahead of the Lions’ 229.
Brody Riley shot 40, Paul Martin Tohn registered a 43, and Coop Frankum carded a 46 to round out the Tornadoes’ scoring.
Jake Lattus came in with a 51, while Garrison Bunch and Stephen Herrell finished at 56.
A pair of freshman girls continue to gain valuable experience for UC as Stella Turner shot 58 and Annie Beth Cruce had a 59.
Tornado golfers will host Obion County Central at Poplar Meadows Country Club on Monday.