Lady Cats Fall to Owensboro Catholic In Region Tournament

Edmonson Records First Winning Season Since 2016

Senior catcher Annie Kiper prepares to catch a pop-up in foul territory.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The 2023 season for Lady Cat softball came to an end last night at the Region 3 Tournament, hosted by Grayson County, as Edmonson County fell to Owensboro Catholic 7-1.

The Lady Cats struggled to generate offense, putting up only three hits in the semifinal match up.

Lady Ace pitcher Brooke Hamilton, who was coming off a perfect game against Meade County on Sunday, threw 7 innings, struck out 15, and walked only one in the O. Catholic win. Hamilton found success with pitches high in the zone that fooled many Lady Cat batters.

"We knew that she was going to throw high and I think we focused too much on that, because we stayed away from other pitches lower in the zone and it hurt us," said Head Coach Alex Jane Massey. "Our mindset was to look high, but then we didn't do well when she came in low. The girls made an adjustment the second time through, and that helped some. In a game against a tough pitcher like this, improving from one bat to the next is about all you can do."

Senior shortstop Callie Webb prepares to throw to first.

Senior Alyssa Doyle throws to second base after catching a fly ball.

Julie Norris delivers a pitch against Owensboro Catholic.

The state champion is the only team that gets to end the season on a win. For everyone else, they go home with a loss, and it's always someone's final game. Last night, that moment came for three Lady Cat seniors who have played integral parts to the team over their time in Edmonson County uniforms.

Shortstop Callie Webb, catcher Annie Kiper, and center fielder Alyssa Doyle helped this year's Lady Cats notch their first winning season since 2016. While they had hoped to capture the first district championship since that same year, goals reached from this year's team helped soften the finality of last night. All three are multi-sport athletes with exceptional academics.

"We did some things we wanted to do this year," said Alyssa Doyle. "We wanted to make it through the whole season without being shut out and we weren't going to be run-ruled, and we did that."

In addition, the winning season, the district runner-up, and being only the second Lady Cat fast pitch team to win a region tournament game will bring lasting memories.

Seven of the nine starters on this year's team hit home runs in their careers, a feat never been done with a Lady Cat softball roster.

Asst. Coach Kevin Clemmons huddles the team during a timeout.

Coach Massey described this year's team as one "ready to fight and never quit."

"I think these kids have show since the beginning of the season that everything's a fight. We made our opponents fight because that's what we did all year long."

She was passionate about the seniors that will move on to other endeavors.

"I just told our seniors out there how proud I am of them. The way that they led our team this year, and they all lead differently. We needed every piece of the puzzle that those seniors gave. They were all key parts one way or another. I believe that all three of these girls are going to go on and do something huge with their lives..." she said as she was overcome with emotion.

Kaylee Ann Sanders throws to first base.

Annie Kiper, Julie Norris, and Jolee Vincent all went 1-3 last night. Norris pitched 7 innings, gave up 13 hits, earning 5 runs, while she struck out 4 and walked 2.

Batting leaders for this year's team were: (minimum 70 at-bats)

• Annie Kiper, .480
  
• Callie Webb, .467
  
• Julie Norris, .380
  

Norris finished the season ranked #24 in the state in pitching wins (17), and #11 in innings pitched (178).

Callie Webb, who will play softball next year at Campbellsville, ranked #40 statewide for doubles on the season (14).

Edmonson County finishes with a record of 17-11.