Sports

Columbia outfielder Sakiya Merriex (sitting) is surrounded by teammates after signing her letter of intent to play college softball at Florida A&M on Friday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia outfielder Sakiya Merriex (sitting) is surrounded by teammates after signing her letter of intent to play college softball at Florida A&M on Friday. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Columbia OF Sakiya Merriex signs with FAMU

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, May 9, 2025
A torn rotator cuff wasn’t going to stop Columbia outfielder Sakiya Merriex from achieving her dream of playing collegiate softball. She battled through the injury, battled back from it, and the hard work finally paid off Friday afternoon.
Suwannee quarterback Thomas Sikes scrambles past a defender during Thursday’s practice. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee quarterback Thomas Sikes scrambles past a defender during Thursday’s practice. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Suwannee's offense ahead of defense this spring

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, May 9, 2025
LIVE OAK — On one hand, Suwannee appears to be further along than what it was last year during spring practice. That makes sense with the Bulldogs, who are two weeks into the spring period that ends with a 7 p.m.
Branford catcher Morgan Brennan (right) celebrates with first baseman Mallory Blue (15) following the final out of the Buccaneers' 6-0 victory over Fort White in the Region 3-R semifinals on Thursday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford catcher Morgan Brennan (right) celebrates with first baseman Mallory Blue (15) following the final out of the Buccaneers' 6-0 victory over Fort White in the Region 3-R semifinals on Thursday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Branford shuts out Fort White to advance back to regional finals

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, May 8, 2025
BRANFORD — It’s not easy to beat a team three times in a season, let alone twice in a week. Yet, No. 2 seed Branford did just thanks to two big innings at the plate and a stellar pitching performance from Laila Arnold.
Fort White quarterback Jayden Jackson takes off from the pocket during Thursday’s spring practice. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White quarterback Jayden Jackson takes off from the pocket during Thursday’s spring practice. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White focusing on filling needs this spring

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, May 8, 2025
FORT WHITE — The Indians will miss some of their leaders heading into the upcoming season. They’re hoping new ones step up in their stead.  Fort White is hoping it can reload after losing a substantial senior class from last year.
Suwannee pitcher Gracie Watley winds up for a delivery during Wednesday’s Region 1-3A quarterfinals against West Nassau. The two teams will continue play Friday after rain and lightning postponed the 0-0 tie. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee pitcher Gracie Watley winds up for a delivery during Wednesday’s Region 1-3A quarterfinals against West Nassau. The two teams will continue play Friday after rain and lightning postponed the 0-0 tie. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Region 1-3A quarterfinal postponed with Suwannee & West Nassau scoreless in sixth inning

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
CALLAHAN — Suwannee’s Gracie Watley and West Nassau’s Kelsea Bass were deadlocked in a pitcher’s duel. The two hurlers looked like they could’ve staved off the other all night.  So they did. Only mother nature’s intervention stopped the show.  The No. 6 seed Bulldogs and the No.
Suwannee pitcher Colton Rogers winds up to pitch against Baldwin during Game 2 of the Region 1-3A quarterfinals on April 22. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee pitcher Colton Rogers winds up to pitch against Baldwin during Game 2 of the Region 1-3A quarterfinals on April 22. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Controversial calls lead to South Walton’s walk-off HR, ending Suwannee’s season in Region 1-3A finals

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
SANTA ROSA BEACH — For a fleeting moment, it appeared as if Suwannee was bringing the Region 1-3A championship series back home. The third-seeded Bulldogs had just taken the lead in the top of the seventh inning before reliever Colton Rogers tried to shut the door on the No. 1 Seahawks.
Lafayette pitcher Garrett Taylor (9), Harris Johnson (12) and first baseman Noah Lamb (22) celebrate after the Hornets’ game-ending double play that finished off a 2-1 win over Union County in Game 2 of the Region 3-R finals on Tuesday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette pitcher Garrett Taylor (9), Harris Johnson (12) and first baseman Noah Lamb (22) celebrate after the Hornets’ game-ending double play that finished off a 2-1 win over Union County in Game 2 of the Region 3-R finals on Tuesday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Lafayette sweeps Union County for third straight berth in state Final Four

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
MAYO — Hyatt Richardson's gutsy effort on the mound is not the only reason Lafayette is heading to the state Final Four for the third year in a row.
Columbia designated player Josie Raulerson (left) and catcher Emily Delgado show off their home run balls following the Tigers’ 16-0 win over Escambia in the Region 1-4A quarterfinals on Tuesday. (COURTESY)

Columbia designated player Josie Raulerson (left) and catcher Emily Delgado show off their home run balls following the Tigers’ 16-0 win over Escambia in the Region 1-4A quarterfinals on Tuesday. (COURTESY)

PREP SOFTBALL: Columbia knocks around Escambia for run-rule win in Region 1-4A quarterfinals

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
PENSACOLA — Josie Raulerson’s home run was the show’s opener. Emily Delgado’s was the main event. Delgado launched a grand slam over the center field fence that slammed right into Escambia’s Gator softball sign, part of a six-run third inning for No.
Columbia defensive end Kyten Davis (left) rushes into the backfield as center Zackery Grimes turns to block during Monday's practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive end Kyten Davis (left) rushes into the backfield as center Zackery Grimes turns to block during Monday's practice. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: A new look O-line trying to gel this spring at Columbia

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
It’s baptism by fire for three new faces on Columbia’s offensive line. Jiaun Wilson, De’Manuel Jones and Xander Satterfield have all been moved from defense to offense this spring, tasked with helping rebuild an offensive line that must replace three starters from this past season.