By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
FLORENCE – The Springville Tigers had quite a season, spending much of it ranked atop the ASWA polls for much of the season and advancing to the regional tournament. A tough Tuesday and Wednesday ended the season for the Tigers as they dropped their opening game to Russellville, rebounded with three blowout wins and then, in the game that would determine who made it to state next week, came up just a bit short.
Springville Lady Tigers seniors Bella Bullington, Kiley Christopher, Emmy Leopard, and Lanie Otwell on senior night.
Photo by: SHS Athletics
Tuesday started a bit rough for these ladies as they dropped their first game against Russellville by a single run, 2-1. A two-run third inning proved to be enough for the Golden Tigers to hold off Springville. The Tigers could only manage a single run in the fifth as Leah Bowden singled to third to bring home Cheyenne Conner for the score. Bella Bullington had a good night on the mound as she went seven innings, allowing four hits and two runs and striking out five.
This sent the Tigers into the loser’s bracket and that apparently did not sit well with these girls. The Knights of Arab would be the unfortunate opponents to fee the wrath of Springville after a loss and the Tigers would pour out their wrath in a 17-0 thrashing that, thankfully for Arab, only lasted three innings. Springville scored four runs in the first, five in the second and eight in the third to mercy rule the Knights and move to the next round. Georgie Chancellor owned the mound with three innings pitched, allowing three hits and no runs and striking out four. At the plate, Leah Bowden, Alex Layfield and Ashlyn Cooley all had three RBI each.
Pleasant Grove would be the next victim for the Tigers and, even though it was the next day, the Tigers were apparently still not happy to be in the loser’s bracket. This time it was a 10-0 win for Springville. Bullington pitched the first four innings, allowing no hits nor runs and striking out six batters. Shelby Hathcock came in for the save, going the final inning and preserving the no-hitter and striking out one herself. Kiley Christopher had two RBI at the plate to lead all batters.
In game three, Springville would have the opportunity to stop taking out their frustrations on other teams and beat the team that beat them on Tuesday with a re-match against the Golden Tigers of Russellville. An 11-1 win for the Tigers would be the end result, sending Russellville home. The Tigers would put up two runs in the first, third and fourth before banging out five in the sixth inning. Chancellor was the pitcher, going six innings and allowing five hits and a single run while striking out seven. Christopher led at the plate with three RBI.
While Springville had revenge on their minds against Russellville, Hayden apparently had the same on their mind for the Tigers beating them twice to win the area. Hayden would doll out their revenge to the tune of a 3-2 win that ended Springville’s season and sent the Wildcats into the state championship next week. Bullington pitched the final game, going the distance and allowing three hits, three runs and striking out three batters. Shelby Hathcock and Kynlee Taruc each had an RBI in the losing effort.
JP Taruc, in his third year, has won the area championship each year. The Tigers finished this year with a 37-12 record.
Coach Taruc said the following about his team, “I am extremely proud of my girls and coaches for a great season; although it did not end like we wanted it to. I love how my girls played through adversity, fought through the season, and became better softball players. I have always told the girls that winning is the ultimate goal as a team; however, when the season ends I hope they become great players, but even better people. Softball teaches life lessons such as accountability, responsibility, class, and character. That is the foundation we instill in each player.”
Taruc continued, “I want to say a special thanks to my coaches, Alisha Johnson and Kayla Brinson for all of the hard work they put into the season. These two young ladies have been a blessing to me as a coach and as an individual. Though times will make us better; therefore, we are ready to get back to work.”
