Byrd breaks HR record, leads Unicoi to title

ERWIN — Lela Byrd set a new home run record for Unicoi County and threw a one-hitter to lead the Lady Devils to the District 1-2A softball championship. Byrd's two-run homer in the second inning was her 24th of the season, which broke the previous school record set by Tiffany Laughren. She was one of three Lady Devils to hit home runs that inning as Unicoi County crushed South Greene 20-0 in a championship game called early. The Lady Devils improved to 32-2 on the season, and the Lady Rebels fell to 12-15. "We started hitting well, and put five runs up in the first inning," Byrd said. "Today, we really put the ball in play and got back to the basics. We had been on our front leg, and we decided to wait back and see the ball." Byrd did just that as she went 3-for-3, drove in five runs and scored three times. Lead-off batter Kianna Woodward also had five RBIs and scored three runs. It included her grand slam in the second inning. "It was like the rest of the pitches, but I saw that one in and sat back," Woodward said. "The last game, I was out front like crazy. So, I had my weight back and just drove it." Unicoi County head coach Abby Hensley praised her team for their successful approach at the plate. Kaley Toney had her own two-run home run, ended with four RBIs and scored twice. Aaliyah Engle had a single, double and triple and scored three runs. Emma Linkous also went 3-for-3 and scored three times. Kyndal Engle finished with two RBIs and two runs scored, and Brooklyn Sparks was 2-for-2 and scored twice. Every player in the lineup, including Abigail Peterson and Carly Baxter, scored for the Lady Devils. The game was called in the third inning after the Lady Devils scored 15 runs in the second. "We surely came out swinging today, even the non-home run hits," Hensley said. "We only had two pop ups. For them to stay on top of everything, that was impressive." Hensley added the team has been working on skills and fundamentals to be solid. She added how special it was for Byrd to become the new home run leader at the tradition-rich school. "She's been incredible all season long whether it's pitching or hitting," Hensley said. "Any time of day, you can count on her. She's put in the effort, put in the work and now it's paying off."