Sports

Columbia's Ava Christie (5) goes to hug pitcher Harleigh Price after Price threw a perfect game against Lincoln during Monday's District 2-5A quarterfinals. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia's Ava Christie (5) goes to hug pitcher Harleigh Price after Price threw a perfect game against Lincoln during Monday's District 2-5A quarterfinals. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Price throws perfect game to lead Columbia past Lincoln in District 2-5A quarterfinals

JORDAN KROEGER
Monday, April 29, 2024
Harleigh Price felt no pressure. The freshman admits she didn’t even know the stakes. So, when left fielder Sakiya Merriex closed her glove for the final out in Monday’s 8-0 win over 6-seed Lincoln, the news was a pleasant surprise as the entire dugout raced out to greet her.
Columbia outfielder Bynton Edge (right) celebrates with Ayden Phillips after scoring a run against Chiles on April 17. The Tigers defeated IMG Academy 1-0 on Friday in extra innings after Edge hit a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia outfielder Bynton Edge (right) celebrates with Ayden Phillips after scoring a run against Chiles on April 17. The Tigers defeated IMG Academy 1-0 on Friday in extra innings after Edge hit a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia stuns nationally-ranked IMG Academy in extra innings

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, April 26, 2024
BRADENTON — One thing is for sure after Friday night — Columbia can beat anybody. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the state heading into the postseason.
Fort White pitcher Kadence Compton hits a pitch against Lafayette on April 16. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

Fort White pitcher Kadence Compton hits a pitch against Lafayette on April 16. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Special to the Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Scores and stats from 4/25/24 & 4/26/24

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, April 25, 2024
BASEBALL — Dixie County 5, Branford 0: Gavin Barnes allowed four runs — one earned — on four hits as the Buccaneers (8-13) fell to the Bears (10-9) on the road Thursday.
Columbia pitcher Kinley King rounds second base during Wednesday’s game against Riverside. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia pitcher Kinley King rounds second base during Wednesday’s game against Riverside. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Playoff fates for Columbia, Suwannee could rest on district tourney success

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, April 25, 2024
The FHSAA rankings to seed next week’s district tournaments were released Tuesday. Here’s where, and who, the area teams will play and also where they sit in their respective playoff races. Game times currently listed on MaxPreps are subject to change.
Columbia first baseman Philip Maddox fist bumps assistant coach Joey Edge after hitting an RBI single during Tuesday’s win over The Villages Charter. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia first baseman Philip Maddox fist bumps assistant coach Joey Edge after hitting an RBI single during Tuesday’s win over The Villages Charter. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia, Suwannee get No. 2 seeds, Lafayette top seed at district tourneys

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, April 25, 2024
The FHSAA rankings to seed next week’s district tournaments were released Tuesday. Here’s where, and who, the area teams will play and also where they sit in their respective playoff races. Game times currently listed on MaxPreps are subject to change.
Suwannee pitcher Gracie Watley winds up to pitch against Gainesville on April 12. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

Suwannee pitcher Gracie Watley winds up to pitch against Gainesville on April 12. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Special to the Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Scores and stats from 4/23/24

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
BASEBALL — Branford 10, Fort White 5: The Buccaneers (8-12) broke a 5-5 tie with a five-run sixth inning off Davic Kasper to defeat the Indians (11-12) at home in District 6-1A action.