Lady Cat Softball Continues Pushing Through Rebuilding Growing Pains, Split Doubleheader With Metcalfe

Senior Alyssa Brooks throws a pitch against Metcalfe County.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The Lady Cat softball team split a doubleheader against Metcalfe County last night at James Woodcock Field winning the first game 3-1, while dropping game number two, 14-3.

2017 has been a rebuilding year for the Lady Cats, and while they've had their share of struggles, Head Coach Jeremy Garmon says there is still plenty of softball left in the season and the team is now showing some positive attributes.

"We knew going into this season there'd be growing pains," he said. "We're a really young team and most of our players have little to no varsity experience, but we're learning and growing as we go."

Ten of the seventeen players on the varsity roster are freshmen or younger, including one starter that's a 12yr old seventh grader, Josie Morrison. Morrison has already hit two out-of-the-park homeruns this season.

Senior Alyssa Brooks had a solid performance last night on the mound in game one, going 6 innings, giving up only 3 hits. She gave up only one run (unearned) while walking 2 and striking out 4.

"This was her best performance that I've seen in two years," said Garmon. "She looked comfortable and executed pitches. We also had some great plays in centerfield from Katlyn Collins. These are the kinds of things we've been working on this season and some of it's coming together."

Freshman Alexis Cook hits a double in the 4th inning against Metcalfe County.

Freshman second baseman Alexis Cook faked a bunt in the fourth with a 1-1 tie game. She pulled the bat back and smacked a double to left center. She later scored on Karissa Waldrop's ground ball which gave EC the 2-1 lead. Waldrop later scored on Cierra Woodcock's squeeze bunt that would result in making the final score, 3-1.

"This was Alexis' first start and she had a great game," Garmon added. "That double was huge for us--very proud of her."

Senior Lady Cat catcher Cierra Woodcock tags out Metcalfe County's Brilee Tucker at home plate.

The remaining box score was: Cook 1-2, Lindsey 1-3, Collins 1-3, Dockery 1-3. Edmonson County struggled in the second game and failed to gain any momentum as the Lady Hornets took advantage.

Although their record is 3-11, Garmon is focusing on the positives that he's beginning to see from his team.

"We've still got lots of softball left. We're inexperienced now, but I'm excited to see that we're loaded with younger players for the future. Sure, we've taken a few lumps, but it's all part of the process. We're going to keep pressing forward," he said.

The Lady Cats have eighteen remaining games on the schedule, in just over three weeks.