Williamsburg softball coach Jim Black praised his team’s play despite a 2-0 loss to the Middlesboro Lady Jackets.
The two teams met in the semifinals of the 13th Region All “A” Tournament with heavily favored and two-time defending champion, Middlesboro winning the game.
But, what a game it was! The Lady Jackets more than held their own with the 13th region power, who has been in the state’s top 25 for the last five years. Middlesboro has been in and out of the top 25 this year despite being 12-6.
“We played as good a game as we could have,” said Black.
The Lady Jackets couldn’t put a dent in the pitching of all-stater Brooklyn Jimison. She allowed only one hit throughout the seven-inning game. But, Middlesboro had trouble of its own at the plate and couldn’t get on the scoreboard until the top of the seventh.
Middlesboro got four of its seven base hits in the seventh inning when Kristen Davis led off the inning with a single. Brittany Hunter followed with a single and both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch. Daven Hart worked Sears for a walk to load the bases then another wild pitch allowed Davis to score from third, putting the Lady Jackets ahead, 1-0.
Angela Jones bunted Hunter home as the visitors took a 2-0 lead.
Jimison shut down Williamsburg in the bottom of the inning to pick up the final as Middlesboro advanced to the All “A” final against Harlan. Middlesboro is the only team to win the All “A” since it started three years ago.
“We are getting better,” said Black. “I think the tournament (Cumberland Falls Classic) really helped. They saw some things that they did wrong and saw how it cost us.”
Williamsburg, 3-7, will be in action Thursday when they host the Lady Devils of Jellico. Friday the Lady Jackets travel to Harlan.
Middlesboro 2, Williamsburg 0
Middlesboro 000 000 2- 2 7 1
Williamsburg 000 000 0- 0 1 0
Jimison and Ogle. Sears and McAnally. W-Jimison, L-Sears. 3B-Davis (M).
