(Newnan, GA) — An infield single by sophomore newcomer Zekylah “Z” Boyd scored Hannah Holden to lead the Lady Braves to a second straight 6-5 walk-off win Friday at East Coweta High School — this time versus the No. 8 ranked team in Class 7A Hillgrove.

Sophomore Zekylah “Z” Boyd had the walk-off base hit to defeat Hillgrove Friday (Photo: HCHS)

Boyd’s first hit as a Lady Brave capped a rally from a 4-1 deficit that saw Coach Matt Hornsby use all three of his pitchers.

The Lady Braves would then fall to Class 7A’s top team East Coweta by a final score of 11-2 in the nightcap.

Sophomore Janiyah Strong drove in both runs in the loss with a double in the top of the second inning after a single and stolen base by senior Tori Caldwell started the inning.

The 2-0 lead would be the last lead of the night versus the vaunted East Coweta squad.

Coach Matt Hornsby was pleased with the work of all three of his pitchers.

“We got down 4-1 in the first game but we just kept chipping away. Caroline didn’t have her best stuff but she was able to grind it out and keep us in the game which is what we needed,” said Hornsby.

“We were able to bring Brianna Hill in to the game and use her in the role that we are really excited about. She doesn’t throw as hard as Katelyn and Caroline but we really think she can be effective one time through the line-up. In game two, Katelyn threw really well — she did not give up that many hard hit balls.”

Hornsby is pleased with the 3-1 start to the season.

“We are glad to be 3-1 but at the same time we could be 0-4. It’s a testament to the character and work of these girls that we have been able to win three really close games this year.”

The Lady Braves will be back in action this Saturday when they travel to the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega to take on two strong private schools. They will face Wesleyan at 2:00 PM and Lovett at 4:00 PM.