April 15, 2019 Issue, Page 10 of 10

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Page 10 The Elk City Daily News - Elk City, Oklahoma Tuesday, April 16,2019 Sayre comes back late, beats Merritt 8-7 By William B. Carroll Sports Editor After trailing the Mer- ritt Oilers 5-1 going into the bottom ofthe sixth, the Sayre Eagles came back twice to edge the Oilers 8-7 Thursday in Sayre. The Oilers would gain con- trol of the game early on with two runs in the top of the first courtesy of three singles. The Eagles would gain one run back in the bottom ofthe first because of two Merritt errors. The Oilers would score another run in the third after a walk and a stolen base was followed by an RBI single by Richard Aldridge. In the fourth, the Oilers would add two more runs to take a 5-1 lead that would car- Merritt pitcher Gabe Beecham delivers a pitch Thursday ‘Sayre Eagle Chase Logan heads toward third as Merritt Oilers third baseman ry them to the middle of the during the Oilers’ 8-7 loss to Sayre. Staff photo by William B. Hagen Justus awaits a throw from the outfield during the teams’ game Thursday Carroll. afternoon in Sayre. Staff photo by William B. Carroll. sixth inning. In the bottom of the sixth, the Eagles offense inning and tie the game up at ended up scoring three runs Carnes with two on to take a single and then added another ball by Eagle Luke Crompton would come to life. Helped in based on Oiler throwing er- 7-5 lead, but the Eagles would run following a hit batter and scored another run to tie the partby awalkbetween batters split and three hit acouple SY The €0ing big hitinto the inning ofthe final inning. com- rors. In the top of the seventh, not be denied. Oilers error that loaded the game at seven apiece. ofssingles, the Eagles would —_ing from Cooper Rhoads who the Oilers were able to add ‘The Eagles initially tied the bases. A fielder’s choice out Rhoads singled to left field manufacture four runs inthe hit a bases loaded single that two runs as a single by Coy game following a walk and at second following a hard hit to drive in the winning run. Senior leaders hope to help Elkettes advance By William B. Carroll handling and dribbling skills the season. Something she Short said specifically she AY} YY OX we Sports Editor necessary to be a success- has found very difficult, but will miss some of the pranks NY VIX) SY OW) ful program develop from she noted that she has taken she and her teammates The four senior members of an early age and that it is on amentoring role for the pulled, noting the girls like to the Elk City gir!’s soccer team easier to train players on such younger players, some of play jokes on people, specifi- are the rock upon which the skills when they are younger whom have stepped into the cally the boys soccer team. team’s successes this year are than when they get into high limelight as the season has “[ think P'll miss those being built, according to head school. called for it. kinds of moments where we coach Rhonda Merrifield. Merrifield said several of “The freshmen have really were able to make funny Merrifield said the leader- the girls on her team played stepped it up this season,” memories,” Loera said. ship of the group ofseniors is for her when she coached Short said. Through it all, the seniors a big reason the team is 10-3 club ball, which has given her ‘The growth of the younger said they have definitely on the season with a chance and them an advantage as players is important to the grown and learned as part of to take the District 4A-2 title they progressed through the team as this year they hope the team. Thursday against Weather- system. to make it further in the play- Olliver said she overcame ford. Of her four seniors, Merri- offs. Each of the seniors we alot of anger her junior year, Seniors Hope Short, field said all of them are great spoke to said the bane of their as her competitive nature Ryleigh Olliver, Hope Brooks leaders. existence the last few years sometimes got the best of and Vanessa Loera have “We all kind of play a dif- has been Newkirk, and they her. Short said she learned to played together for a number ferent role,” said Short, who hoped to have the opportunity accept constructive criticism of years. Some ofthe seniors mentioned that one of the se- to face them and defeat them and use it to make her a bet- have been competing in niors acts like the team mom, this year. ter player. soccer since they were in el- while others play similar but For the seniors this will Three of the seniors said ementary school. Olliver said different roles, be their last opportunity. they were ready for the next she started playing when she Short said one of the things Not only because they are phase in their lives. Short and was seven years old, while that she really enjoys about graduating, but because Loera plan to attend South- Loera has been playing since the team is that while the each of them said they are western Oklahoma State Uni- she was nine. seniors do lead, other team not expecting to play college versity next fall. Short said Merrifield said an impor- members, including some of ball, wanting to focus instead she wants to major in biology, tant aspect of the team’s the younger members, act in on college and their chosen while Loera said she is still success is that she has team leadership roles as well. career paths. undecided. members who started playing “Everyone is a leader in “Any of these girls could Olliver is planning to attend club ball when they were their own way,” she said. play in college at a smaller the University of Central The seniors of the Elk City girls soccer team have been younger. For the team to progress school,” Merrifield said. Oklahoma where she plans to “the rock” upon which the team is built according “Tf you don’t start at the as it has this season, several Since this is their final sea- major in international busi- ‘to head coach Rhonda Merrifield. Pictured standing club level there is really no younger players have needed son, the seniors said they will ness. Hope Short and Hope Butler, sitting Ryleigh Olliver and chance to be successful once to step up. Olliver, who was not so much miss the soccer Butler plans on attend- Vanessa Loera. Photo submitted. you get to high school,” Mer- an instrumental part ofthe as they will miss the moments ing Northwestern Oklahoma rifield said. team went down with a knee and the camaraderie of their State University and majoring The coach said that the ball injury and has had to sit out teammates. in special education. Elk City Chamber of Commerce Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 20th Chiltren Wes 1pm ° Ackley Park 1-10 * Over 11,000 Candy-filled eggs 1000 Elkwood Blvd ik ity» 580.225.0506 Www Seniorlifestyle.com * Visit the Easter Bunny at Ackley Parkfor pictures after the Easter Have something to share? Egg Hunt. Email us at BRING YOUR CAMERAS!! sports@ For more information please contact the ecdailynews.com Elk City Chamber of Commerce at 580-225-0207