From The Tribune staff reports
HAYDEN — The Center Point girls softball team has forfeited its appearance in the AHSAA Class 5A Area 12 tournament, giving host team Hayden a first-round victory here.
At 11:45 a.m. on Monday, May 2, the softball field at Hayden High School stood empty. The Center Point Eagles had been scheduled to play the Wildcats, but forfeited 20 minutes before game time. (Photo by Bobby Mathews)
Win or lose, the Eagles would have played at at least two games.
“They called about 20 minutes before first pitch and forfeited,” Hayden softball coach Jill Dowd said. Dowd said that a report on the forfeits would be sent to the Alabama High School Athletics Association, which could potentially fine the Eagles for pulling out of the tournament with such late notice.
The AHSAA’s Ron Ingram refused to speculate on whether fines could be levied in this case or how much those fines could be, saying that the central board made its decisions on forfeitures on a case-by-case basis. If a fine is levied, the AHSAA will send a detailed letter to the offending school with details on the amount.
Attempts to reach Center Point coach Rachel Turner for comment were unsuccessful Monday.
