Sports

Perennial playoff qualifier Grand Saline got their first taste of District 12-3A play March 15 with a game in Prairiland. The Patriots would prevail in the contest, pounding out 13 hits on their way to a 12-2 win over the Indians.

Former Van Lady Vandal standout Skylar Savage has gotten off to a fast start during her time as a member of the University of North Texas Mean Green softball team, posting a 3-1 record during 12 appearances. Savage has pitched 34 innings total, striking out 34 while posting a miniscule 1.85 ERA.

Two of Van Zandt County’s most consistent baseball programs squared off on the diamond this week as the Edgewood Bulldogs played host to Van March 15. The game would be evenly matched throughout as Edgewood prevailed with a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to edge past Van 6-5.

Athletes representing Athens, Canton, Edgewood, Eustace, Grand Saline, Mineola and Sunnyvale made their way to Van last week to compete in the annual Al Rholes Relays March 10.

The Grand Saline Lady Indians hit the field twice last week, continuing District 12-3A play with games against Lone Oak and Prairiland. Grand Saline looked sharp in their first game of the week, striking early on their way to an 8-1 home win over Lone Oak.

The Van Lady Vandals wrapped up non-district play on the road this week, traveling to take on a talented Lindale squad March 16. Defensive play would prove to be the difference in the contest as five fielding miscues allowed the Lady Eagles to rally back for a 4-3 win over Van.

The Canton Eaglettes continued to inch closer to the start of District 14-4A play last week, hitting the field March 11 for a contest against Bullard. A tough day in the field and at the plate would pr ove to be too tough for the Eaglettes to overcome in what would become an eventual 6-1 setback.

Canton’s Rockie Collier recently signed on to play volleyball collegiately at Trinity Valley Community College beginning in the fall.

The Canton Eagles hit the field three times last week, clashing with South Garland, Palmer and Sunnyvale at their annual tournament. Canton would go 2-1 overall, picking up a pair of lopsided wins before falling to the Raiders in a high-scoring affair.

Van Zandt County track and field programs were well represented in Malakoff last week with athletes from Canton, Edgewood, Van and Wills Point all in attendance at this year’s Tiger Relays.