Spring Fling: Hardin County softball set up well for the future with pitching duo

Luis Torres
Jackson Sun
Hardin County's Halle Grace Patton winds up for a pitch during game 4 of the 2018 TSSAA Class AAA State Girls' tournament game, Wednesday, May 23. Henry County defeated Hardin County, 8-1.

MURFREESBORO — It’s something Jason Dennis has never had before.

In his 13 years as Hardin County’s softball coach, Dennis hasn't had two pitchers he can count on. One thing he figured out this season is he has a 1-2 punch in the circle he can build for the future.

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There was always just one pitcher. It was different this year. Junior Madalynn Payne and freshman Hallie Grace Patton have been the answer to every question Dennis has had in the circle.

Both lifted them to the Lady Tigers’ first-ever appearance in the state tournament. Their first appearance didn’t go the way they wanted it to, going 0-2.

But Dennis is excited about bringing both back next season.

“It’s really good to know that either of them walks into the circle and we can win a softball game,” Dennis said. “That’s what Hardin County has not been. We’ve had one we can win with but to have two, is a very good feeling.”

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Payne faced adversity at different points. She worked her way back this season following offseason shoulder surgery. She also suffered a concussion during the season and missed some time.

Payne, who also plays in centerfield, helped Patton transition into her role as a pitcher who could be counted on in the circle. The result? A duo that brought Hardin County to unprecedented heights. 

“We should be coming (back) to state next year,” Payne said. “Me and her have to work really hard to get to it. … I think we just gotta mesh together more. The more we play together, the more we practice, the more we just train and workout, the more we mesh as a team, we’ll be unstoppable.”

Patton has been counted on more as a freshman than Dennis probably wanted to at the beginning of the season. She didn’t shy away from the competition and was a workhorse as the season went along.

Hardin County's Madalynn Payne makes a bouncing catch in center field during game 4 of the 2018 TSSAA Class AAA State Girls' tournament game, Wednesday, May 23. Henry County defeated Hardin County, 8-1.

“We’ve come so far, we have joined as a group and as a team and I just can’t wait to see what happens with us,” Patton said. … “It kind of shows that hard work pays off a lot.”

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Hardin County made history this season. With Payne and Patton in the fold for next season, they have a chance to make more next season.

Dennis certainly thinks so.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that both of those girls will still be in the circle for us next year,” Dennis said. “We’ll be pretty good.”

Reach Luis Torres at ltorres1@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9638 and follow him on Twitter @LFTorresIII.