Lexington, Ky. — McCracken Co. ( 31-7 ) scored four runs in the top of the seventh and held on to beat Lawrence Co. 11-8 in the first round of the softball state tournament Friday at John Cropp Stadium.
The Bulldogs are waiting to be introduced before the state tournament game.
Senior Abby Nelson went 3-3 with a two run home run, two doubles and three runs batted in and Senior Dani Crum had two hits including a double and drove in two runs, Senior Jaylee Maxie scored once and had one stolen base.
8th Grader Addalyn Woods had two hits, two runs batted in and scored once, 8th Grader Hallie Adkins singled and scored two runs, Sophomore Ella Smith singled and scored a run, Junior Bree Jones singled and stole two bases, Junior Abby Maynard scored a run, Freshman Millie Sammons scored once and stole one base.
Battling all the way, LC had key hits by seniors Abby Nelson and Dani Crum either tying and the go ahead run. The game was aired by Paintsville radio station WSIP and a good contingent of Lawrence County attended even though school has been out for three weeks, the announcer said.
Abby Nelson connected for a line drive home run over the center field wall against McCracken Co. in the state tournament.
Brooklyn Ellis started in the circle and ended up going 6 2/3 innings and Taylor Blevins went 1/3 of an inning. The Lady Dawgs had at least three dramatic comebacks to tie and go ahead — but the Macracken County squad matched them each time and ended up winning it in the final frame which took place at nearly midnight.
Addalyn Woods throws to first base to complete the double play Friday.
MC 1 0 0 0 1 5 4 = 11
LC 0 1 0 3 0 3 1 = 8
The Bulldog faithful was out in full force at John Cropp Stadium.
Lawrence Co. went 30-5 the year with a runner-up finish in the Class 2A state tournament, a 58th District title and a 15th Region Championship. They lose Jaylee Maxie, Dani Crum and Abby Nelson to graduation but return a ton of talent including a middle school squad that won the OVC tournament title so the future in Louisa is bright for years to come.
Dani Crum guns down the runner at third base in the first inning against McCracken Co.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Justin Adkins
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… Honestly that sums it up we just came up short, the ball didn’t really bounce our way this evening. I was telling them in the huddle that the good Lord has been good to us. A lot of good things have happened to get us here. Maybe it just ran out tonight but the girls showed up ready to play. I could see the fire in their eyes this morning at practice over at Fredrick Douglass and I wanna give a shout-out to them for letting us use their facilities to get some work on. The girls were ready to go at 9:30 this morning and maybe if we would have played this morning it might have been a different outcome. We kinda had to rein them in all day at the hotel because they were chomping at the bit to play.”
“… I’m extremely proud of the effort tonight and all season long out of this group. Bree Jones got a little too aggressive on the base paths but comes right back on defense and makes a great play to get an out. Abby Nelson hitting the ball 250 feet, just a great effort honestly. Brooklyn and Taylor did what they could dealing with a tough strike zone which I thought was a little different for us than them but sometimes that happens in a ballgame.”
“… We got a lot of tears flowing out here because these girls live and care for each other and a lot of them have been together since kindergarten. We lose three fantastic seniors who are all team players.
And I haven’t seen a better player down here then Dani Crum. Can’t wait to follow her career at UPike with Coach Staggs I hope she breaks some records down there.
I don’t think Jaylee missed a practice in her career and that says a lot about her. She gives it all she has every time she’s out there. Quiet leader and everybody in that dugout loves her.
Abby Nelson is a little bit more fiery like me. So many good things happens for her, I think she wills things to go well. She is a firm believer in Jesus and a firm believer in her abilities and I know she is saying prayers in the box and I know he hears them and blesses her and has blessed this team. I couldn’t be more proud and love all three of them.”
“… I love how well our community travels they really support the girls. A lot of schools out there that don’t support girls athletics that much. But I can promise you that Lawrence Co. does from the superintendent on down and the girls feed off seeing everyone travel and look up into the stands to see the red and black it really gets them fired up.”
“… I would like to thank you guys and the Lazer for spotlighting our girls all year it has been a pleasure working with you all. Anybody that takes time to spotlight these girls we truly appreciate it.”
