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For the first time in 787 days the Troup softball team has beaten their cross-town rival LaGrange. The Tigers won a back-and-forth thriller 7-6 for their fifth win in a row.

“I told the girls after the game that this should feel good,” Troup coach Ryan Simpson said. “This should show you what kind of ball team that we are. If we can go out there and you can keep that momentum going into the playoffs next week, we’ll be solid.”

After three up and three down for both teams in the first, the Grangers broke the deadlock in the top of the second. An error allowed freshman Dakota McDaniel to reach home.

The Tigers were unfazed and struck back in the bottom of the second to take the lead. Cayleigh Godfrey came through with a huge two-run single to give Troup a one-run lead.

“I’m feeling really great,” an ecstatic Godfrey said after the game. “I just like, I feel like I’ve not been hitting too great lately and to just open up the game like that with those two runs really feels amazing. This is literally the best feeling.”

The Tiger lead would be short-lived with Hudson Wood restoring parity with an RBI groundout in the top of the third. Carolyne Garcia gave the Grangers the lead back with a one-ring single. 

The back-and-forth nature of the game would continue as Troup took the lead right back in the bottom of the third. Olivia Damron, fresh off her walk-off to send the Tigers to the playoff on Monday, hit a two-run triple to give Troup a 4-3 lead.

“This has been a crazy two days,” Damron said, beaming with happiness. “I’m feeling really good. You know, we lost to them in our first game this season against them, so it feels great to get back and beat them at home.”

Kennedy McCoy proceeded to bring Damron home with a single as Troup took a 5-3 lead. An error allowed a sixth run to score while Sheniyah Philpot hit a one-run single to make it 7-3.

LaGrange was able to cut into the deficit in the top of the sixth. A sacrifice fly by McDaniel cut the Troup lead down to three. Jasia Swanson then delivered a two-run double that fell just short of being a home run to cut the Tiger lead to just one run. 

“It was a little bit scary, but I knew that we would settle down and make the plays,” Damron said. “We all trusted each other.”

The Grangers got the tying run on first base in the seventh inning, but could not find a way to extend the game. 

Kaitlyn Smalley, who got the start in the circle for Troup, helped her cause in a big way from the plate, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored.

“I woke up in a great mood, and I love coming out here and playing with my team,” Smalley said. “We just had fun and had a great time and to win made me so happy.”

Philpot and Damron each had two hits while McCoy, Godfrey and Kaylee Cardwell all had one apiece.

None of these girls are seniors and they will all return next season which leaves the team in a great spot as they try and make a playoff run.

“A lot of these girls making plays are only sophomores and with the juniors we have and the class coming up I’m excited not just about the playoffs, but also for next season.”

LaGrange’s offense was led by Swanson, who was a cool 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Garcia had two hits while Tatum Nation, Shelby Siggers and McDaniel all had one apiece.

McDaniel got the start in the circle for LaGrange and pitched all six innings. 

LaGrange fell to 18-9 overall and finished region play with a 12-4 record. The Grangers traveled to play Northgate later Tuesday evening and will wrap their regular season with a home game against Harris County on Thursday. 

Troup finished the regular season 13-11 overall and 11-5 in region play. The Tigers await to see who their playoff opponent will be. 

Troup will head into the playoffs with some real momentum having won five in a row to close the regular season.

“We have been on a roller coaster this year, but I’m hoping we can stay on this high going into the playoffs,” Simpson said. “When the girls come out here and play as a team and really want it, they are on it and I couldn’t be more proud of them today.”