South Warren has found a way to win its first thirteen games of the season. Two games by 14 runs and three by only one. What has eluded the Lady Spartans is defeat. The #3 ranked team in the Commonwealth does not want that to change any time soon. With Week 6 on the horizon and the calendar turning to May, a tough week awaits Coach Kelly Reynolds’ club. Mid-week matchups with Greenwood, Allen County-Scottsville, and Warren East pave the way for weekend meetings with some of the state’s top teams like Woodford County and Oldham County. The Lady Spartans’ main goal is not an undefeated season. These types of games will do more than prepare them for the long postseason ride that is high school softball. And who knows, maybe next week they’ll still be sitting unblemished.
Sporting Times Top Ten
Softball
Week 5
School Record Last Week
- South Warren 13-0 1
Outlook: South Warren had an impressive week to remain undefeated after picking up wins over Male (formerly #1 in the state) and Green County. Selynna Metcalfe was dominant on the mound and at the plate against the Lady Bulldogs, pitching seven innings while striking out seven and only walking two. From the plate, the junior went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a triple, and three RBI.
2. Warren East 13-5 2
Outlook: Warren East reached the championship of the state 2A championship before bowing out to Calloway County, 4-2. Junior Emma Markham struck out 15 in a complete game effort for the Lady Raiders in their semifinal victory, while senior Lucy Patterson went 5-for-5 in opening round of the tournament.
3. Barren County 13-4 3
Outlook: Barren County rebounded from its four-game losing streak with a four-game win streak, including two district victories over Glasgow. In a 15-0 win over the Lady Scotties, Allie Anderson went 3-for-3 from the plate with a double, home run, and 5 RBI on the day. Russellville travels to Barren on Friday in what should be an entertaining matchup.
4. Greenwood 9-5 4
Outlook: Greenwood picked up two massive wins in Week 4, beating Warren East (3-0) and Male (3-2). Against the Lady Raiders, Allison Bush pitched a complete game shutout, fanning 11 batters and only allowing three hits. Bush came in on relief against Male to pick up the win, pitching 2.1 innings and allowing only one hit.
5. Russellville 15-4 7
Outlook: Russellville moves into the top five after a solid showing at the All-A state championship. The Lady Panthers swept through pool play with three wins before falling to Bethlehem in the quarterfinals. RHS ends Week 5 with a road showdown at #3 Barren County.
6. Allen County-Scottsville 15-6 8
Outlook: Allen County-Scottsville moved up two spots to #6 after picking up wins over two top ten teams – former #5 Logan County and #10 Monroe County. In an 18-5 win over Monroe, Bailey Ausbrooks and Taylor Gregory each hit home runs, and Hadley Borders went 5-for-6 with two doubles.
7. Logan County 10-8 5
Outlook: Logan County dropped games at Jo Byrns (TN) and to ACS but rebounded to beat district rival Franklin-Simpson, 7-5, on Tuesday. In the victory over the Lady Wildcats, Shayla Johnson hit a home run and knocked in two runs, while Emerson McKinnis went 3-for-4 from the plate.
8. Metcalfe County 9-6 9
Outlook: Metcalfe County moved up to #8 after sweeping Russell County and staying undefeated in district play. In the 6-5 win over the Lady Lakers, Bailee Garrett pitched a complete game, allowing only three earned runs. The Lady Hornets will play in the Franklin-Simpson Lady Cats Invitational this weekend with games scheduled against Calloway County and Franklin-Simpson.
9. Russell County 10-3 6
Outlook: Russell County lost to Metcalfe County for a second time this season but remain 10-3 on the year. Sophie Shearer is batting .568 and leads the team in batting average, hits (21), and RBI (20). Pitcher Natalie Hart is 7-2 on the mound with a 3.00 ERA.
10. Cumberland County 7-6 NR
Outlook: Cumberland County enters the power rankings after winning four its last six games, lastly a 9-0 victory over Clinton County. In the district win over the Lady Bulldogs, Sarah Stalcup pitched a complete game four-hitter, while Caity Patterson went 4-for-4 from the plate and stole two bases.
Next Teams Up: Franklin-Simpson, Monroe County
