Jefferson County’s Makayla Alvey (top), Catelyn Riley (24) and Abbie Ferguson (6) celebrate after the Lady Patriots defeated Daniel Boone Tuesday in the Region 1-AAA Softball Tournament semifinals in Gray.
Jefferson County’s Makayla Alvey (top), Catelyn Riley (24) and Abbie Ferguson (6) celebrate after the Lady Patriots defeated Daniel Boone Tuesday in the Region 1-AAA Softball Tournament semifinals in Gray.
GRAY — Only one team has defeated Daniel Boone since March and Tuesday night at Daniel Boone High School, they did it again. Jefferson County made the plays when it counted on defense and at the plate, to end the Trailblazers’ season with a 3-2 victory in the Region 1-AAA Tournament.
“We just played hard. I hate to see either of these teams go home,” Jefferson County coach Hillary Love said. “We’re both real contenders. They are probably the best hitting team that we’ve seen, 1-9. They hit the ball hard, so for us to come out and give up two runs, that says a lot. We’ve got two more, no matter who we’re playing. We had to get this one.”
Every run scored took real work for both teams as nothing came easy. The Lady Patriots (20-10) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Jessica Odom took first on a base hit. Two batters later, she crossed home on an RBI from Santana Hall.
Jeff County was able to stretch the lead to 2-0 in the second when Reish got on base after getting hit by pitch, was batted to third by Odom and Hall, then took home on an error.
“That’s been our motto, pass the bat and make sure that when our speed gets on, the guys behind have to step up,” Love said. “Santana Hall has been great in the three-hole for us. We trust that if we do that, we can score. The girls use their strengths.”
The Blazers (41-7) answered back in the bottom of the fourth. Jaycie Jenkins took second with a double into right field and was batted in by a base hit from Megan Ackerman.
Holding a one-run lead in the fifth, the Lady Pats were able to get some breathing room, again starting off the inning with a player hit by a pitch. This time it was Makayla Alvey who took one for the team and was batted in by Erica Lewanski.
Boone threatened to tie the game in the bottom of the frame. An outfield error allowed Makenna Dance to cross home plate and put Greyson Stevens on third with one out on the board. Jefferson County pitcher Catelyn Riley was able to strike out one batter, and then force a fly out to end the inning.
“She (Riley) bore down when she had to,” Love said. “She’s one of those that I have a hard time believing that she’s a sophomore. Her youth can show, but at the same time she’s tough. She can put batters in a hole.”
The Trailblazers threatened again in the sixth, with runners on first and second with no outs, but once again Riley was able to get the next three outs, ending the inning with a strikeout.
Riley pocketed the win in the circle, pitching seven innings with five hits, four walks and seven strikeouts.
The win secures the Lady Patriots at least two more games, the first a rematch of the District 2-AAA Championship tonight when they travel to King Park to take on Morristown East for the Region 1-AAA title at 6 p.m.
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