Sports

West Nassau’s Lauren Rosepiler beats a throw to Suwannee shortstop Rachel Smith at second base during Wednesday’s Region 1-3A quarterfinal. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

West Nassau’s Lauren Rosepiler beats a throw to Suwannee shortstop Rachel Smith at second base during Wednesday’s Region 1-3A quarterfinal. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Early blunders cost Suwannee in loss to West Nassau in Region 1-3A quarterfinals

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
LIVE OAK — Facing a team with a potent offense, Suwannee’s ace Gracie Watley generally kept West Nassau’s bats in check, especially in the late innings, finishing with nine strikeouts against one walk.
FGC receiver Alexandra Harris runs past Hesston College’s Destiny Ortiz for a touchdown during Game 1 of the NJCAA National Championship series on Wednesday. (COURTESY OF FGC)

FGC receiver Alexandra Harris runs past Hesston College’s Destiny Ortiz for a touchdown during Game 1 of the NJCAA National Championship series on Wednesday. (COURTESY OF FGC)

COLLEGE FLAG FOOTBALL: FGC tops Hesston College 26-13 in Game 1 of NJCAA National Championship series

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
ATLANTA — Despite a lead at halftime, Florida Gateway College wasn’t pleased with its performance Wednesday morning in the first game of the NJCAA National Championship series. FGC coach Ricky Hufty said his message to the Timberwolves at intermission was to relax, settle in and play their game.
Columbia third baseman Grant Bowers strikes out against Beachside during Tuesday’s Region 1-5A quarterfinal. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia third baseman Grant Bowers strikes out against Beachside during Tuesday’s Region 1-5A quarterfinal. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Beachside stuns Columbia with shutout in Region 1-5A quarterfinals

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
ST. JOHNS — Both teams had their aces on the mound, and both pitchers looked the part. But while Beachside played clean defense behind Jake Meadows, Columbia made two critical mistakes that led to two runs against Ayden Philips.
Columbia offensive lineman Chase Johnson calls out a defender during Monday's practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia offensive lineman Chase Johnson calls out a defender during Monday's practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia's O-line showing improvement with addition of Oakleaf transfer Chase Johnson

JORDAN KROEGER
Monday, May 6, 2024
One of the biggest question marks entering every season for Columbia is typically the offensive line. This year, though, the Tigers have experience at all five positions and coach Brian Allen believes it could be one of his stronger units.
Columbia's Grant Bowers slides safely into third base during Tuesday's District 2-5A semifinal against Gainesville. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia's Grant Bowers slides safely into third base during Tuesday's District 2-5A semifinal against Gainesville. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia receives 2 seed but road trip for playoff opener; Suwannee also on road while Lafayette gets 1 seed

JORDAN KROEGER
Saturday, May 4, 2024
The good news for Columbia was a No. 2 seed in Region 1-5A during Saturday’s FHSAA bracket reveal. The bad news? The Tigers have to go on the road for the first round of the playoffs despite being ninth in Class 5A with a 14.204 rating.
Columbia shortstop Lillyenne Mayhew gets caught in a rundown by Middleburg third baseman Madisyn Strickland in the sixth inning of Thursday's game. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia shortstop Lillyenne Mayhew gets caught in a rundown by Middleburg third baseman Madisyn Strickland in the sixth inning of Thursday's game. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Columbia gets at-large playoff berth; Branford, Fort White & Suwannee all hosting openers

JORDAN KROEGER
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Forced to wait four days to find out its playoff fate, Columbia breathed a sigh of relief when the FHSAA unveiled the brackets on Saturday. The Tigers received the final playoff spot in Region 1-5A and will travel to top-seeded Middleburg for Thursday’s regional quarterfinal.
Columbia coach Chris Howard argues a call with the home plate umpire during Thursday's District 2-5A championship against Lincoln. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia coach Chris Howard argues a call with the home plate umpire during Thursday's District 2-5A championship against Lincoln. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia falls to Lincoln in District 2-5A championship marred by questionable calls

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, May 3, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — Thursday’s District 2-5A championship between Columbia and Lincoln may have left some wondering why there was even a first base umpire. On four different occasions, LHS head coach Mike Gauger appealed calls at first base to the home plate umpire.