Hartselle softball finishes tied for fifth
The Hartselle softball team saw its promising season come to a close just a few games short of its goal – a state championship.
The Lady Tigers (44-8-1) were eliminated by Mortimer Jordan 15-3 in the loser’s bracket early Saturday morning. The Lady Blue Devils went on to become the Class 5A state champions for the third time in four years.
Mortimer Jordan roughed up starting pitcher Breanna Riley, forcing her to leave the game after just three innings. She struck out six batters but allowed nine runs, all of them coming on 2-run, 3-run and grand slam home runs.
Jacquie Shadden had a 3-run homer in the bottom of the third, but it just wasn’t enough to keep up. Katie Gentle also had two hits while Olivia Golden and Baylee Holt added hits.
On Friday, Hartselle played one of its best games to start of the Class 5A tournament, defeating Eufaula 13-1. Hartselle exploded for 10 runs in the third inning of that game.
Then, the Lady Tigers fell to Moody in the bottom of the seventh inning 2-1. Hartselle’s lone run came on Leah Robinson’s RBI single that scored Lindsey Romager.