Prestonsburg, Ky. — For the first time since 2010 the Lawrence Co. Softball team is headed to the state tournament after a 13-10 victory over Belfry on Thursday in the 15th Region Championship game at Stonecrest.
2024 15th Region Champs
L to R standing Lawrence Supt. Dr. Robbie Fletcher, Sam Sparks, Bobby Preece, Baleigh Blackburn, Aleah Gillispie, Leah Branham, Dani Crum, Ella Smith, Jaylee Maxie, Abby Maynard, Justin Adkins, Hallie Adkins, Braylee Triplett, Millie Sammons, Lexi Crum, Stacy Jones, James Jones, Gracie Preece, Johnathon Ellis, Principal Myram Brady
L to R front Abby Nelson, Brooklyn Ellis, Addalyn Woods, Jada Patton, Bree Jones, Taylor Blevins, Zoe Bartley, Jason Smith
In the championship game Addalyn Woods was on base all four times including two doubles, drove in four runs and scored twice, Jada Patton had three hits including a double and scored two runs.
Bree Jones had two hits including a double and had two RBIs, Ella Smith had two hits, one run batted in and scored twice, Dani Crum singled and scored two, Hallie Adkins singled, drove in one and scored once. Abby Maynard had an RBI and scored once and Abby Nelson scored two runs including the eventual game winning run in the sixth inning.
Brooklyn Ellis picked up the win in the circle after relieving starter Taylor Blevins in the third inning.
15th Region Tournament MVP 8th Grader Jada Patton
The Bulldogs will open up State Tournament play against Region 1 Champ MaCracken Co. ( 30-7 ) at 8:30 on Friday June 7th at John Cropp Stadium on the campus of the University of Kentucky.
This will be the third time Lawrence Co. will play in the KHSAA State softball tournament. They went to Owensboro in 2008 and 2010.
15th Region All-Tournament members
L to R Brooklyn Ellis, Addalyn Woods, Jada Patton, Taylor Blevins, Bree Jones
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Justin Adkins
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… 15th Region champs sound really nice doesn’t it. Gets a lot of pressure of if me. We have had a few goals this starting with the Class 2A, the District title and now Region title and can’t wait to get down to UK and play on the big stage. And show em what what got down here in Eastern Kentucky.”
“… These ladies are heady players and their softball IQ’s have been rising all season long and it really came into play tonight. I have told them all year to just got get it. Don’t play tentative and if you get thrown out it’s all on me. I want to take all of the pressure off of them.”
“… That’s a stud of a team over there. Give them a ton a credit. We had them on the schedule early in the year and they had to play in the 1A and we couldn’t get them back on the schedule. They really came to play and Molly Fahm is a heck of a player and only a freshman. They also have some good pieces around her. It was a great atmosphere and I thought both fan bases were great all game long.”
“… We have been a scrappy bunch all year and have fallen behind in this tournament and these girls never wavered one time. They know this is a team sport and as long as we pass the bat we have a chance to win the game. Don’t strike out or pop up and you will give yourself self a chance.”
“… I usually let them sign out and go with mom and dad but tonight they are all riding that bus and it will be rocking going down 23 with singing and dancing. And these girls have earned that they have gotten this year.”
“… We will celebrate tonight and get right back to work tomorrow. No days off this time of year. I’m excited to see how they are when they come into practice.”
“… Meeting Coach Kenny Horn last summer when he knew he was leaving he has been a mentor to me ever since. Told me that he was me the keys to a corvette. He called me the morning to check on me and told me to go get it.”
“… Big shoutout to our fans, administrators, coaches for everything they have done so far this season.”
Lawrence Co. Senior Dani Crum
PLAYER COMMENTS
“… It feels amazing, we have worked so hard since August. We were practicing when nobody else was. Kudos to Belfry they showed up to play and it was a great game.”
“… It’s crazy I wanted this since I was a little kid. Back then I had no idea something like this was possible. And next week we get to play on Kentucky’s field, that is insane to me.”
“… I was talking to Abby Maynard and I woke up Wednesday and this morning at 6:30 I was so ready to play this championship game that I couldn’t sleep at all. We have been showing up early to the field to get ready and everyone was looking at the clock waiting for game time.”
Lawrence Co. Senior Abby Nelson
“… It been a long time coming, been working for this since I was in the 5th grade as a little manager and now I’m a senior and we are 15th region champions and it feels amazing. We all have worked so hard and I never had a doubt in my mind that we weren’t going to win. We were prepared, we studied and we played Lawrence County softball.”
“… Woke up early every morning ready to get going and couldn’t wait for this moment. Last year losing in the title game was tough, I wanted to win this for the Kensley, Allie and Ella were on that team. I know Kensley is watching from Tennessee, we wish she was here and miss her a lot but we won it for them.”
“…Can’t wait to celebrate tonight and then get back to work just like we did after the District title game. We have great coaches that will get us prepared to play next week.”
Lawrence Co. Senior Jaylee Maxie
“… This group is really close, I’ve never been around a closer group in my life. It’s just so special to win the region championship my senior year. This could be a once in a lifetime experience for all of us. Can’t wait for next week to get here.”
