A-J edged 1-0 at super-sectional

The Anna-Jonesboro High School softball team refused to go down without a fight.

The Lady Wildcats come-from-behind bid in the 7th inning fell short in a 1-0 loss to Piasa Southwestern in the Class 2A super-sectional championship game played at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Monday, June 1.

 “It was a tough one, what can you say,” A-J softball coach Kevin Stephens said. “It’s what we talked about as coaches, to put them in a position to create an opportunity to win.”

In the 7th inning, A-J’s Amanda Dillow had a two-out infield single and stole both second and third base.

Jordan Edwards and Lindsey Patterson were each walked intentionally to load the bases by Piasa Southwestern pitcher Leslie Davis.

Lady Wildcat shortstop Fallon Clayton stepped to the plate and after a full count hit a hard shot to Davis for the final out.

“I don’t think Fallon failed at all,” Stephens said. “It was a good, quality hit ball. She was given the opportunity and that’s what we look for.”

The Lady Wildcats had another opportunity to score in the 4th inning.

Patterson led off the frame and was on base on an infield error. Clayton followed with a walk.

After an infield flyout, Jayda Rendleman singled to load the bases. Davis struck out the next two A-J batters to end the threat.

“Two or three times we had runners on and we probably should have bunted or tried something else,” Stephens said. “I probably will lose some sleep over that for awhile.”

The Birds’ lone hit was scored by catcher Syndey Shelton on a wild pitch in the bottom of the 6th inning. A-J catcher Kylee Lence was behind home plate.

“Kylee Lence has been solid for us all year,” Stephens said. “I hope she doesn’t beat herself up too much on that play. She’s made a lot of good plays all season in close games.”

Rendleman was 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Lady Wildcats. Amanda Dillow was 1-for-2 with 3 stolen bases.

Hayden scattered 5 hits to go with 3 strikeouts and 2 walks.

Winning pitcher Davis tossed a three-hitter to go with 13 strikeouts and 4 walks.

A-J finished the season with a 27-5 record. Piasa Southwestern advances to the Class 2A state tournament with a 27-3 record.

“I’m just proud of them,” Stephens said about his team. “They had a tremendous season.”

The cupboard is not bare for the Lady Wildcats, who graduate Lence, Hillary Abernathy, Dillow and Natalie Gee.

“Our seniors set a high standard  for our underclassmen,” Stephens said. “We had a heck of a season and we return a lot of talent next year.”

Both pitchers Patterson and Hayden return next season.