Lick Creek, Ky. — Lawrence Co. ( 28-9 ) fell 9-6 to Pikeville ( 29-10 ) in the semifinals of the 15th Region softball tournament on Sunday at East Ridge High school.
Dani Crum stands on second after nice base running.
The Dawgs fell behind 8-0 going into the bottom of sixth inning before making a valiant comeback effort that came up just short.
Freshman Abby Nelson collected three hits including a double and scored twice, Freshman Dani Crum had two singles, two RBIs and scored twice, 8th grader Gracie Preece collected two hits including a double and drove in two runs, Sophomore Kensley Feltner tripled, drove in two runs and scored once, Freshman Shelby Blevins singled and drove in one run, Junior Ella Fitzpatrick and 8th grader Bree Jones both singled.
7th grader Taylor Blevins started and suffered the loss for Lawrence Co. she allowed four earned runs, two hits, struck out one and walked one in her only inning in the circle, Sophomore Allie Triplett came on in relief and went six innings gave up two earned runs on seven hits, struck out four and walked one.
PHS 2 3 3 0 0 0 1 = 9
LCHS 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 = 6
The young Bulldogs will return everybody next season and should be a team to reckon with for years to come.
Pikeville will play Johnson Central on Monday at 7:00 for the 15th Region softball tournament championship.
Gracie Preece being carried off by Asst Coaches James Jones and Bobby Preece after going down running on her two RBI double in the seventh inning.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Kenny Horn
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… That’s what we do this bunch has fought this way all year long, we aren’t going to quit or lay down you guys have covered us enough to know that. Emily Ford is obviously the best pitcher in the region and nobody puts six runs on her and could have been more if a call goes are way. We invest so much into these kids, we have two years into the one season. Just an unfortunate call that went against us and killed a rally. We had them on the ropes for sure and had all the momentum.”
“… I just want to thank the kids for letting me be a part of it, they have worked their butts of to get to this point. To be so young and to keep fighting I love that about them they are true fighters. They could have folded early in but they didn’t and that truly shows something and I can’t wait to get back to work with them. I wouldn’t trade my team for another team.”
“… It’s evident that we got something going here and if you would have told me we would win 28 games this year I would have probably laughed with the schedule we play but I can’t say enough about the kids for their effort. I hate to see it end this way but winning 28 games was huge for our program moving forward. I usually like to take some time off but I’m ready to get to work with these girls.”
“…T I really want to thank the fans for their support all year long, we have had great crowds every where we have went in proud to be a Bulldog. I also want to thank you guys for what you do I appreciate you guys giving the girls publicity it means a lot to them to see their names out there and I could go on for hours about them. We don’t lose anyone and I’m looking forward to next year already.”
Some of life’s best lessons are learned on the ballfield. Add to that the great memories and the respect held by our teammates and it’s all worthwhile. Keep fighting, girls. You are winners!