Time after time, Jones County’s Coach Pitch Softball All Stars have shown an ability to dig deep and find another gear. As a result, their season will continue at this weekend’s state tournament in Augusta after finishing this past weekend’s sectionals as the runner-up.
After opening up the sectional with a 15-9 win against Pioneer, a familiar foe awaited in the way of Dudley, the team that had edged Jones County twice in the district tournament by scores of 7-6 and 8-6 in the title game. In Saturday’s sectional play, Jones County’s furious rally topped Dudley 12-11, setting up a rematch for Sunday’s sectional final. There, a three-run inside-the-park homer tied the score before two late runs by Dudley proved to be the difference in a 12-10 win.
Odds are good that Jones County could see Dudley again, as both are in this weekend’s state tournament. So while there was a disappointment in losing on Sunday, there’s a satisfaction in advancing to the state tournament.
“It’s a little bittersweet; (Sunday) was our fourth time playing them,” Jones County Coach Pitch Head Coach Bethany Melvin said. “(This weekend) we’ll be ready for them.”
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