Sports

Saturday's first game was against Paris and it turned out to be a tough one for the Lady Jackets.

"They haven't won a lot of games this year, but when they play us, they're always play their best," said Coach Barry Bretz. "We didn't play our best, either. We had a number of throwing errors during the first four innings."

The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the fourth, and then the Lady Jackets came alive.

Katie Smith started things off with a base hit, followed by another single by Megan Bretz. Sydney Fryman's bunt advanced the runners but also got her to first, loading the bases. Then Reesa Martin knocked a pitch past the second fence (!!!) for a grand slam homerun. Shanon Bretz and Whitney Willoughby each racked up RBIs in the inning, as well.

Paris came back and scored four runs in the top of the fifth, but by then Nicholas County was on a streak and finished the game in the bottom of the 5th with a score of 14-4.

The Lady Jackets faced Berea in the final.

"We played much better in the second game," Coach Bretz continued. "Defensively, there were no errors, and we had 13 hits. The girls played very well."

With Reesa Martin striking out five and allowing only three hits, the game ended in five innings with a score of 12-0.

Monday, the team travelled to Pendleton County for a double-header, finishing both games in just seven innings total, wining the first game 18-0 in three innings and the second game 15-0 in four.

The ladies finish up their week before state by playing tough rival Harrison County on Tuesday and Robertson County on Wednesday, both home games.

Coach Bretz looks towards Saturday's tournament with great aspirations. He reviewed his line-up with The Courier.

Megan Bretz is a great lead-off hitter. Normally she would bat third or fourth, but batting her first gets her at the plate more.

Sydney Fryman is a great bunter with six key bunts so far this year. She is good at advancing runners to scoring position.

Reesa Martin bats third, which is earlier in the order than normal, but again, it gets her strong bat up to the plate at key times.

That lets designated hitter Shelby Wade bat clean-up, which she does very well and with consistency.

Adrienne Letcher bats next and brings very good speed. She's in a different position this year but has adapted very well and is a great benefit to the team.

Tabitha Ritchie bats sixth. She began as a catcher but is now in her third year on 3rd base. Not only is she consistent, she provides excellent senior leadership to the team.

Shannon Bretz is in her third year on 2nd and is having a great year with no errors. She is batting better and is also a strong leader.

Whiney Willoughby got a hit in every game last year and has recaptured that confidence recently batting very well.

Katie Smith is a very good runner and bats as well as anyone on the team.

Morgan Hamilton has great confidence and will be a great senior starter next year.

Dani Johnson, is a freshman showing great promise.

Ashlee Garcia is a solid substitute who plays well whenever called upon.

Katie Stamper had a good year, as well, but has been benched with a pair of crutches.

Cara George and Jonna Watkins are up and coming pitchers promising a bright future for the team. Cara pitches right handed and Jonna left handed, giving the coaching staff greater options against tough opponents.

With the combination of speed, power, attitude, determination, and experience won in last year's victory at state, the Lady Jackets are once again in prime position for another strong showing.

Good Luck this weekend, Lady Jackets! Bring home another state championship trophy!