Sorrells’ arm, Sanders’ bat power Lady Rebels to victory over  rival Elba

Despite leading 1-0 throughout the game, Zion Chapel head coach Chelsi Jones was looking for one solid base knock in the sixth inning to give her team some breathing room.

Lady Rebel first baseman Ivey Sanders did her one better. With two on and two out, Sanders sent a 1-0 pitch deep over the right center field fence to propel Zion Chapel to a 4-0 win over Elba Thursday afternoon in Jack.

The homer was Sanders’ only hit of the game, but she made it count in the late innings.

“Ivey is an extremely powerful hitter, and usually in practice she will put at least two or three out near the creek in right field,” said Jones. “She has struggled at using the power during the game, but we kept telling her that is was going to come around. She has been working extremely hard and it paid off tonight.”

Zion led the entire way, by picking up a single run in the bottom of the first inning on a line drive single from Shelby Sorrells. The single allowed Billie Copeland, who reached on a misplayed fly ball earlier in the inning, to score for the game’s first run.

The lone run would be enough as Sorrells turned in a terrific performance in the circle.

The senior pitcher, and Faulkner State Community College signee, allowed just two hits, struck out five and did not walk a batter in the complete came win.

Elba did not get a batter past first base the entire game.

Jones said she has nothing but faith in her senior ace and the defense behind her.

“When our defense is playing well and double zero (Sorrells) is on in that circle, we are very, very hard to beat,” said Jones. “I stand behind my team, and would not want to have any other group than these 15 girls.”

With the win, Zion Chapel kept their hopes of a regular season area title alive.

The Lady Rebels are now tied atop the standings with Goshen and Elba. Tiebreakers will determine who hosts the area tournament.

Zion Chapel will take part in a tournament this weekend in Geneva.