Don’t put away the bats and gloves just yet. Even as the high school softball season is winding down across the commonwealth, tournaments are still looming in the Bluegrass State.
On the opening night of the 16th Regional Softball Tournament, the Ashland Kittens scored three runs in the first frame to gain an early 3-0 advantage over the Lady Raiders.
The Kittens added three insurance runs in the second stanza to go up 6-0.
It would remain a six-run game in favor of Ashland until the bottom of the third. That’s when Trina Porter uncorked an RBI double to the corner to put a dent in the scoreboard, 6-1.
Two pitches later, Emily Biddle laid down a beautiful single to score a run and take the score to 6-2.
An astounding catch by Laken Knipp in the outfield thwarted any potential runs to keep the Kittens at bay in the top of the fifth.
After four scoreless innings, Porter drilled a homer to right center field to bring the Lady Raiders within three in the seventh frame.
Inevitably, the Kittens held on for a 6-3 win to advance to the semifinals.
The win marked Ashland’s first victory over East Carter in the Regional Tournament since 2014.
Biddle contributed a three-hit performance for the Lady Raiders.
Porter had a day at the dish, as her solo homer and two RBIs highlighted East Carter’s offense in the season finale.
The Lady Raiders retain a stealthy roster next season as they look to return to the 16th Regional Tournament for the fourth season in a row.
Lady Comets see season end in 15-0 shutout loss
The West Carter Lady Comets softball team saw their season end at the hands of the Lewis County Lady Lions 15-0 on Sunday, May 21, in the first game of the 16th Regional Tournament.
The Lady Comets were completely silenced on offense aside from Claire Holbrook’s lone hit in the three-inning affair.
The defending champions’ offense shined, sending two home runs out of the park.
Summer Egbert and Aubrey Hicks each collected a solo home run. Hicks and Kaylen Case led the Lady Lions with three RBIs while Egbert and Addison Wilson weren’t far behind with two of their own.
Emily Cole pitched a complete game for the Lady Lions, tossing three innings, striking out eight and allowing no runs.
With the loss, West Carter sees their season end, and will now look ahead to the 2024 season.
Contact the writer at miranda@cartercountytimes.com