Sports

Columbia right fielder Trayce McKenzie celebrates at second base after hitting an RBI double against St. Johns Country Day on Tuesday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia right fielder Trayce McKenzie celebrates at second base after hitting an RBI double against St. Johns Country Day on Tuesday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia bounces back with big win over St. Johns Country Day

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
How much did Columbia need a morale booster? “Probably as much as anybody in the state,” coach Chris Howard said. After a shaky start, his lineup and bullpen provided one.
Branford's Patrick Williams slides safely into third base against Fort White on March 10. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford's Patrick Williams slides safely into third base against Fort White on March 10. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Branford beats Bell in baseball, Lafayette routs Hamilton County in softball

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Patrick Williams went 2 for 4 with a double and four RBIs to lead Branford’s baseball team to a 7-4 win over Bell at home Tuesday night. Jackson Skinner also went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored while Kyler Williamson went 3 for 3 with two runs scored for the Buccaneers (10-5).
Branford third baseman Madyson Sikes swings through a pitch from Crystal River pitcher Violet Flynn on Tuesday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Branford third baseman Madyson Sikes swings through a pitch from Crystal River pitcher Violet Flynn on Tuesday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Branford loses pitcher's duel to Crystal River in extras

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
BRANFORD — Laila Arnold kept the scoreboard clean for eight innings against Crystal River. If not for her ninth, the game may have never ended.  The Pirates scored three runs in the inning, ripping away the Branford ace’s gem in the circle to come away with a 3-0 win Tuesday night at BHS.
Suwannee's Kyler Watson takes an at-bat against Chiles on Tuesday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee's Kyler Watson takes an at-bat against Chiles on Tuesday. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Suwannee & Branford pick up baseball & softball wins

NEWS STAFF
Friday, March 14, 2025
A six-run first inning propelled Suwannee to a 7-0 win over Yulee at home Friday night. Kyler Watson finished 2 for 2 with a double and two RBIs for the Bulldogs (8-5) as they won their fourth straight. Dillon Greene, Koy Frier, Gabe Garcia and Grayson Bonds each added an RBI in the win.
A throw is late to Columbia catcher Casen Maddox as Buchholz shortstop Hudson Sapp slides safely into home plate in front of Columbia pitcher Ayden Phillips on Friday. (BREN KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

A throw is late to Columbia catcher Casen Maddox as Buchholz shortstop Hudson Sapp slides safely into home plate in front of Columbia pitcher Ayden Phillips on Friday. (BREN KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia plays too 'timid' in another loss to Buchholz

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, March 14, 2025
Timid. Scared. Those are two words you don’t want to hear used when describing a baseball team. But both were thrown around by Columbia following a disheartening loss to Buchholz at home Friday night. The Class 6A No.
Suwannee's Jace Moran scores a run against Chiles on Tuesday night. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee's Jace Moran scores a run against Chiles on Tuesday night. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

PREP ROUNDUP: Suwannee, Lafayette rally for wins

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Suwannee’s baseball team scored eight runs over the final three innings to rally past Newberry for a 10-5 road win Thursday night. Jace Moran homered and had two RBIs while Kyler Watson and Gabe Garcia also drove in two runs apiece for the Bulldogs (7-5).
Lafayette second baseman Clara Knight (14) makes a throwing error to allow Branford's Cloey Criggall to reach first base safely Thursday night. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette second baseman Clara Knight (14) makes a throwing error to allow Branford's Cloey Criggall to reach first base safely Thursday night. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Criggall leads Branford to run-rule win over rival Lafayette

CONCEPCION LEDEZMA
Thursday, March 13, 2025
BRANFORD — Branford leadoff hitter Cloey Criggall proved again she continues to be a huge part of the Buccaneers success.  The senior shortstop and co-captain reached base in all four of her plate appearances, including two doubles.
A throw to Fort White third baseman Hannah LeBleu isn't in time during Thursday's game against Wakulla. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

A throw to Fort White third baseman Hannah LeBleu isn't in time during Thursday's game against Wakulla. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Fort White shut out by Wakulla’s Butler

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, March 13, 2025
FORT WHITE — Fort White probably hasn’t seen the velocity in the batter’s box Wakulla offered. The Indians may not have another opportunity again.  Wakulla’s Charley Butler struck out 11 batters while a pair of interference calls made a big difference in Thursday’s 3-0 loss at John Wilson Field.