Russellville softball advances to regionals with runner-up finish in area tourney

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The Russellville Lady Golden Tigers traveled to West Point to compete in the Class 5A, Area 15, tournament and went 2-2 during two days of action to advance to the regionals as the runner-up.

West Point, regular-season top team in the area, took first place in the tournament, going 2-0, while RHS got a couple of wins over Lawrence County to earn the second-place trophy.

The top two schools in each area tournament advance to regional play, with the north group headed to Florence.

“There’s a lot of emotions when it comes to the area tournament because it could be the end of your season,” said Russellville head coach Josh Graham. “You’ve got a lot of emotions rolling through each game because each game really matters. We did a good job of overcoming some adversity and taking advantage of other teams that made mistakes. We just kept playing and kept playing.

“At this point, it’s survive and advance, and that’s what we’re planning on doing for the rest of the time.”

Russellville 4, Lawrence County 1

The Lady Tigers and Lady Devils opened the area tourney with a competitive contest May 3. Russellville got seven innings in the pitching circle from Paislee James to get the win. James threw 97 pitches and allowed eight hits. She struck out one and walked none.

RHS got hits from five batters. Emma Campbell led the team with two, while Summer Butler, Tori Tiffin, Jenna Whitfield and Addison Holcomb also hit safely. Whitfield picked up the only Russellville RBI.

West Point 1, Russellville 0

The Golden Tigers were shutout by West Point in game two May 3. RHS got three hits off the Lady Warriors’ pitcher, Carlie Wilkins. Tiffin had two of the hits, and Whitfield added the other. It was the second time this season Wilkins and West Point were able to defeat Russellville by a 1-0 score.

Jacey Moore continued her outstanding pitching for RHS this season by going seven innings, allowing three hits and striking out eight. The one West Point run was unearned.

Russellville 3, Lawrence County 2

The rematch in the area tourney between Russellville and Lawrence County also went the way of the Lady Golden Tigers. With the victory May 4, RHS wrapped up a spot in the regionals by eliminating the Lady Devils, assuring themselves a finish in the area of no worse than second place.

Moore got the win for RHS.

West Point 3, Russellville 0

The area tournament ended with a West Point win over RHS. Russellville got hits from Tiffin, Whitfield, Holcomb, James, Green and Natalie Nichols. The hits by Green and Whitfield were doubles.

Tiffin did the pitching for Russellville, 20-24-1. She went six innings, allowing one earned run, striking out eight and walking none.