Lexington, Ky. — When the Softball season started on March 17th there were 273 teams that had dreams of winning a state championship and now only four teams stand with one those being the Lawrence Co. Bulldogs.
Back L to R Sam Sparks, James Jones, Wrendi McDavid, Emalynn Kitts, Leah Branham, Taylor Blevins, Ella Smith, Sophie Spillman, Gracie Woods, Millie Sammons, Addalyn Woods, Abby Maynard, Lexi Crum, Braylee Triplett, Madison Nix, Aleaha Gillispie, Jada Patton, Stacy Jones, Tommy Castle, Bobby Preece
Front L to R Brinley Baisden, Gracie Preece, Bree Jones, Baleigh Blackburn, Addison Bowen
The Bulldogs ( 26-7 ) advanced to the final four after a comeback 3-2 victory over Taylor Co. on Sunday night behind a Jada Patton three run homer in the seventh and a masterpiece by Taylor Blevins in the circle.
The state semifinals are the farthest a 15th Region team has ever made it in the 30 year history of the fast pitch state tournament.
Lawrence Co. will now face the #2 team in the state, Assumption ( 33-6 ) out of Louisville, who is led by Miss Softball candidate Senior Lauren Satterly who is 16-1 in the circle and leads the team in home runs with 11 and doubles with 15.
In the first semifinal slated for 10:00 Friday morning it will be 11th Region Champ Scott County coming in with a record of 27-6 versus 2nd Region Champ and defending state champion Henderson County who is 33-6 on the year.
The State Championship game is now scheduled for Saturday at high Noon.
Former coach and now terrific booster Kenny Horn, left, with coach Sam Sparks
Bulldog Head Coach Sam Sparks
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… We took Monday off and when we got them back on Tuesday they were in great spirits and ready to get back to work. I think it has sunk in of what we have accomplished and they also know we have two and half days of hard work before head back down for the semifinals to battle Assumption. A lot of good things happened last weekend so hopefully we can do the same this weekend.”
“… For Assumption it starts with Lauren Satterly who is a dandy and the funny thing is she is going to Western Kentucky and probably be a middle infielder. Great leadoff hitter, three lefties who all hit it well. They usually play clean so we have to put some balls in play and put some pressure on them. Taylor ( Blevins ) has to hit her spots and we have to play clean. If we do that we will have a chance in the end.”
“… We have a common opponent in Male but we caught them at a good time coming off the beach trip. I’m not sure you can’t count much from that but maybe we can take advantage. They aren’t 38-0 so a few teams have beat them. Still have to hit it, catch and pitch it. Hopefully we play clean and give ourselves a chance.”
“… We play with composure and a good demeanor and I think that gives us the confidence to go out each game and compete.”
