Trinity High School is heading back to the All “A” state tournament for the first time since 2016, claiming the Third Region fast pitch softball title with a 2-1 victory over Owensboro Catholic on Sunday at Whitesville Community Park.
The Lady Raiders will now represent the region at the All “A” Classic State Tournament, scheduled for April 26-27 at Jack C. Fisher Park in Owensboro.
The win also marked just the second time in program history that Trinity has defeated Owensboro Catholic and the first time since 1996.
“This win feels amazing,” said head coach Jessica Morris. “We love being able to bring this win back to Trinity and our community that always supports us. It was a team effort, and we are incredibly proud of the girls and their hard work.”
Freshman Sophie Hatfield went the distance in the circle, allowing just three hits and one earned run over seven innings. She struck out six and walked eight while also delivering the game-winning RBI at the plate with a sacrifice fly and adding a triple.
“Sophie pitched a great game and the defense was strong behind her,” Morris said. “Sophie Hatfield and Kendall Howard make a great pitcher-catcher duo. I couldn’t ask for a better relationship than the one those two have on the field.”
Trinity broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth when Aubree Millay drew a bases-loaded walk to plate the first run of the game. Hatfield tacked on a second run an inning later, and that proved to be the difference as the Lady Raiders held on in the late innings.
Sarah Payne led the offense with a 2-for-3 day and a run scored. Hatfield, Madison McDaniel, Kendall Howard, and Ella Morris each chipped in one hit.
Tyranda Stuart went 1-for-1 with an RBI and three walks to lead the Lady Aces. Anna Hamilton doubled, and Hannah Tignor added a single. Catholic had plenty of base runners with eight walks but couldn’t capitalize.
Hannah Robbins took the loss for Catholic, giving up six hits and two runs (one earned) across five innings. She struck out three and walked two. Riley Scott threw two scoreless innings in relief.
“We always talk to the girls before games about ‘doing their job,’ and how their job may change in different situations,” Morris said. “To win, everyone has to do their job. Today, the girls did just that.”
And while the moment was sweet, Morris said the team is already locked in on what comes next.
“We know there are areas where we need to improve, but these girls are always ready to come to practice and work hard,” she said. “We’re always working to get more girls on base and more runs on the board.”
