Spring Hill goes for trifecta
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— Spring Hill is hoping that the third time will be the charm again.
The 2-time defending champion Lady Bears (229) face off against Rison (27-5) today in the 2A state softball championship game at 10 a.m. today at Bogle Park on the campus of the University of Arkansas.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” Spring Hill head coach Lorrie Chambless said. “They’re a tight little team and are aggressive base runners. I still feel like we’ll end up on top.
“Rison will be playing at Bogle Park for the first time. I don’t care how good of a team they are, it’s pretty intimidating the first time there. I feel like we have experience on our side and that’s gonna help. They won’t just sit back and let us take it; that’s for sure.”
The Bears shut out Poyen 2-0 in the semifinals, and defeated Marmaduke 5-1 in the quarterfinals after a first round bye.
Rison beat Hector, 2-1, in the opening round of the state tournament, topped East Poinsett County, 7-1, and edged Parkers Chapel, 3-2, in the semifinals.
“We’re going in very confident,” Chambless said. “My girls told me that they are ready to play. They are sitting on go. Nerves are always an issue to a point, but I think they are nervous
until that first pitch. After that, it goes away.”
Kalyne Powell gets the start in the circle for Spring Hill, and her catcher will be Maegan Ward. Christi Chambless, who is Coach Chambless’ daughter, starts at first, Lakin Bobo is at second, Katie Rivera plays third, and Kelsey Gammage rounds out the infield at shorstop.
The outfield is comprised of Jada Quillin in left, Taylor Teague in center, and Andi Sennett in right field.
“I am telling the girls to just relax, play loose, and have fun with it,” Chambless said. “This group is very self motivated and athletic. They have been working hard to get back to the championship game.”