On a sunny Tuesday evening, the nine eighth graders on this year’s MMS softball team took the field against Harriman for the last home game of the regular season. Head coach Chris Borum rushed through a pregame ceremony for the girls, because he would have otherwise broken down. These nine girls have meant a lot to Borum. He has coached most of them not only during their middle school careers, but also earlier in their youth league days. Each one has improved over the years, and they should all go on to make valuable contributions to the MHS Lady Waves in years to come. 2011’s eight grade class is: Pitcher Raygn Hall, catcher Whitney Colyer, first baseman Kallie Sohm, second baseman Kayla Borum, short stop Alexis Taylor, third baseman Jayde Rose, left fielder Julie Kilby, center fielder Rachel Tuttle and outfielder Skyler Chaney.
The young Lady Waves’ game on Tuesday was their first since a week ago, when they claimed a blowout victory at Rockwood. Hall’s pitching was once again outstanding in that game. Sohm had a stellar day at the plate against the Lady Tigers, hitting an in-the-park homer, as well as a triple.
On eighth grade night against the Lady Devils of Harriman, things would stay tense for a while. All batters went down in order until Hall and Borum reached base in the bottom of the second. However, a confusing infield fly play followed and kept the game scoreless.
In the bottom of the fourth, the scoreboard was still showing zeroes, until Hall blasted a triple to score Rose, who had singled to lead off the frame.
It would be the bottom of the fifth inning when Midway really took control. Hits by seventh grader Amber May and Sohm set up a 2 RBI single by Taylor. Hall, Borum and Tuttle all followed with hits, and two more Midway runs crossed the plate before the inning was over.
The Lady Devils got a hit in the top of the sixth, but Hall struck out the other three batters in the frame to clinch the shutout and help give the Lady Waves a 5-0 win.
Top hitters for Midway included Hall (2-3, RBI), Taylor (1-3, 2 RBI), Borum (1-1, RBI) and Tuttle (1-3, RBI). Hall had another impressive outing as pitcher. She threw nine strike outs, giving up only two hits and walking one batter.
After the game, the players, coaches, parents and fans enjoyed a delicious cookout with cake as dessert.
The Lady Waves now look to the regular season closer, the long-awaited match-up at Southwest Point against the Kingston Lady Jackets on Thursday. Game time is 6 PM. The post season tournament starts on Friday at Midway.
Good job Shawn. You might make a reporter yet.
Good article Shawn and the girls did well.
I am so proud of these girls and the hard work they have put in this season! I love that they have a website that acknowledges their achievements and shares respectfully in their losses!These are some awesome girls!