A “Very Green” Lady Wave caravan departed Midway High School on Tuesday morning around 11:30 am. It was a great send-off for a bunch of girls who really deserve it. In their young lives, they have dedicated a large amount of time to playing fast pitch softball. They have reaped some big rewards, including three straight District, Region and Sub-State Championships. Principal Scott Mason assembled the student body, along with teachers and staff, to see the girls off to the TSSAA State Tournament in Murfreesboro. Cheers abounded as the Lady Waves rolled out and headed to the biggest of venues. Escorting the caravan were two Roane County Sheriff’s Deputies, who were in patrol cars with lights flashing. The Lady Waves rode out of Midway and into Kingston in style. It was an excellent show of support from an appreciative community. The Lady Waves had earned every bit of it.
They also earned a little money to help them on their way. A trip to the State Tournament cannot be made on playing ability and good looks alone. Last Friday, the Lady Waves had clinched a spot in the State Tournament with an exciting, extra-inning victory over Unaka. The next morning, the girls met at the 58/72 junction for a little fund-raising. Once again, as in years past, the community support was amazing. The “Liars Table” at the Coastal Deli started the day off right. Over $500.00 was quickly pooled together and contributed as the first donation of the day. More donations poured in all day, and they continued to come in on Monday. I cannot personally name everyone who donated, but I do know that several thousand dollars were generously donated, showing these Lady Waves that their accomplishments had not gone unnoticed. Due to these donations from the community, the girls wanted for nothing that we could see. Except for the outcome of the tournament, these girls were afforded a great experience that they will not soon forget. Again, thanks to everyone who gave their money for these young ladies. The girls had nice rooms, good meals, and each was allowed to purchase State Tournament t-shirts, shorts and sweatshirts. Many times, some of the kids cannot afford these extras. The kids were thrilled when told they would be given money to buy these cherished items.
As for the tournament, the Lady Waves did not fare well. Call it nerves, call it lack of competition during the regular season. Who knows for sure, but the Lady Waves’ great defense collapsed at times and their bats disappeared. The Green Team was soundly defeated in two games. First, they lost to the hard-hitting Friendship Christian Lady Commanders. Then, the Lady Waves were eliminated by powerful Huntingdon High School.
Game One started out in disaster, as the Lady Waves fell apart on defense. Errors gave up two runs in the opening inning. Later, the Green seemed to recover on defense, but they couldn’t get anything going on the bases. In the fourth inning, with two outs, the Lady Waves gave up a hit. The next Friendship Christian batter would go deep to center field for a 4-0 lead. Midway tried to rally in the fifth frame. Haley Parks, Krystal Rue and Taylor Narramore would draw walks with one out, but the next two Midway batters would strike out to end the Green Wave rally. Friendship Christian would open the flood gates in the sixth, when base hits and errors allowed them to get to ten runs. This brought the “run rule” into effect, and Friendship got the early victory, 10-0.
In the second game, Midway again started out with three uncharacteristic errors in the first inning. That gave Huntingdon a 1-0 lead. The hard-throwing Huntingdon pitcher kept the Lady Waves off-balance all day long. The Huntingdon batters continuously added runs to the score throughout the game. Not until the Waves were down 9-0, did Rue, Alex Coffman and Lacey Davidson put together three consecutive hits to score Midway’s only run of the tournament. The game ended in a 9-1 defeat.
Two games don’t make a season. Let’s not forget that these girls are, arguably, the best Single A team in East Tennessee. Hannah Colyer, sore ankle and all, pitched her heart out. When either of the two games were all but over, Hannah could have said “Coach, I’ve had enough.” She didn’t, because she knew her teammates needed her. Senior Lacey Davidson played her last game as a Lady Wave on Wednesday and was visibly upset after the game. However, Lacey should take consolation in all the memories she has left to the fans of the Lady Waves. The memories of her desire to win, her effort and her selflessness to her teammates will not be forgotten.
Once again this year, the Lady Waves traveled with their normal entourage. This included parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and, of course, loyal fans such as Wayne Waldroup, Nath Hickey and Carly Miles.
Don’t think of this as the end of a season. Think of it as the beginning of next season. The Lady Waves will be back. See ya then.