Patriots rally for win in seventh

The Patriots were behind 7-3 heading into their final at bat, facing their first conference defeat.

They still have a goose egg in the loss column.

Jay County High School’s softball team scored five runs in the seventh inning Thursday, rallying to beat the Adams Central Jets, 8-7.

After taking a 3-1 lead, the Patriots (4-4, 2-0 Allen County Athletic Conference) fell behind as the Jets scored two runs in each of the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

But the 7-3 deficit wasn’t too daunting for the Patriots. Sam Twigg scored the game-winning run on a passed ball as Jay County completed the rally.

Kady Finnerty led the offensive attack for the Patriots, smacking two doubles and a single. Chloe Trissel ripped a double and a pair of singles while Gwen Butcher and Katie Carpenter had two hits apiece.

Senior Catera Gierhart hit her first career home run. Kensey Litton added a double and Emily Corn had a single.



Golf beats Blackford

Jay Houck and Kyler Hudson had season low scores Thursday as the Jay County boys golf team beat Blackford 156-176 at Portland Golf Club.

Houck began his round with three consecutive pars before a bogey on the par-3 13th hole. He then birdied the par-5 14th on his way to a 2-over par 37. Kyler Hudson had birdies on the 14th and 17th holes, finishing one stroke behind Houck.

Collin Haines made par five times and also birdied No. 14, scoring 40 for the Patriots’ third-best score. Nick Hayden shot a 41, highlighted by an eagle on the 14th hole.

Ian James also competed, and he shot 46.

Jay County’s junior varsity team lost to the visiting Bruins, 212-222.

Matt Franks led the Patriots with 53. Ethan Corwin shot 58, with Conner Benter and Devin Harris closing out the team score with matching totals of 59. Joey Hall (62) and Tait Longsworth (65) did not factor into the team score.



Third lifts Jay

MONROE — A four-run third inning lifted the Jay County junior varsity softball team to a 6-3 victory over the host Adams Central Jets on Thursday.

Jay County jumped out front with a run in each of the first and second innings before pushing across four runs in the third for a 6-0 lead. Adams Central chipped away at the deficit, scoring two runs in the fifth inning and adding one more in the sixth inning.

Randi Ferguson led the Patriots offensively. She had a triple, two runs and a stolen base. Kailee Denney, Shelby Hiestand, Mikale Knight, Hannah Clayton and Britney Mullins each had hits for the Patriots.



Eagles still perfect

DUNKIRK — The West Jay Middle School boys and girls track teams remained undefeated Thursday, earning wins over Anderson Prep and Cowan.

The Eagle girls won 11 events in scoring 78 points. Anderson Prep was second with 30 points, and Cowan scored 28.

West Jay’s boys totaled 74 points, ahead of Anderson Prep (49) and Cowan (12).

Abby Benter, Kinsey Shannon and Sophia Fugiett each had two wins for the Eagle girls (7-0). Benter won the 100 and 200-meter hurdles, Shannon was first in the 100 dash and long jump, and Fugiett was victorious in the 1,600 run and 800 run. Kaylee Pennington (discus) and Chloe Campbell (high jump) also won their respective events.

For the WJMS boys (7-0), Wesley Bennett won the 100 and 200 hurdles. Drew Powers was first in the 200 dash and long jump, while Luke Haggard (100 dash), Aaron Funkhouser (400 run) and Lane Chapman (high jump) also got victories.

Both Eagles teams won both the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.