RHS drops two against West Point ending area run, season
by Josh Prewitt for the FCT
The Russellville Lady Golden Tigers left the area tournament on the second day losing in a run away game 10-0 against West Point. The Lady Tigers went 1-2 before being eliminated by the West Point.
On the first day the Golden Tigers lost a heartbreaker to West Point in a forth inning, two-run home run that was just enough for the Warriors to edge out a 2-1 win over Russellville.
“Both teams played good defense to start out. We got on the board first but shortly after that West Point hit a two-run homer run to take lead that won,” Coach John Smith said.
“Like I’ve said numerous times, our timely hitting has to be on point for us to have a chance to win,” Smit said. “All aspects of the game have to be consistent.”
RHS came back on the second day with a huge win in the first game, defeating Fairview 7-1. The Golden Tigers got contributions from Lexi Lamon, Kayla Cochran, Megan Brockway, Morgan Moore, Lily Holt, and Jakari Suggs on the way to the 7-1 win over Fairview.
Coach Smith was very happy with that win.
“We played a great game controlling start to finish. Timely hitting was key in the win followed by great pitching and defense,” Smith said.
Russellville played their next game against a familiar foe in West Point. It was a close game going into the fifth inning with the Warriors up 1-0. But West Point had a huge nine-run inning to beat the Lady Tigers 10-0 in five innings, and eliminating Russellville from playoff contention.
“It was a tough way to lose but I can’t say enough on how happy I am with the season I had with these girls,” Smith said. “I’m so happy and proud of them and what they accomplished this year.”
Players were upset but they couldn’t be happier with the year they had together.
“I’d like to thank our coaches for seeing in us what we never did in the beginning of the season,” Senior pitcher Casey Brandenburg said. “Also my team for coming together. I’ve enjoyed the journey so much. These girls, coaches, and the community made it great representing them.”
Lady Tiger Catcher Megan Brockway said she’s going to miss her seniors.
“I’m really going to miss my seniors. The lord blessed me giving me a chance to play with them and I’m so grateful for that,
Brockway said. “Also this season I believe my team was a family. We’ve never been this close before and I think that’s what makes it so hard to let go. I will never forget this season with all these wonderful teammates and hopefully next year we can make it even further.”
Second baseman Brooke Borden talked about how she’s going to push herself next year as a senior.
“It’s going to be hard without these seniors next year but me becoming one, well I’m going to push myself to be the best player I can and push myself to do what’s best for the team,” Borden said. “I love every single girl on this team as if they’re my sister. We’re a family and I’m ready to come back next year stronger than ever.”
The Lady Tigers had a record year racking up 29 wins. They only had 11 wins a season ago.
