Losing stings, but Lady Admirals 'competed'

By Steve Williams

Farragut's softball team had won back-to-back Class 4A state titles, so it wasn't surprising when Coach Nick Green said the Lady Admirals were "sad" after being eliminated from this year's tournament.

Green said his team wasn't at its best on offense or defense, but it wasn't because of a lack of effort. "We had some miscues that cost us some runs and we were having trouble generating runs at times. Unfortunately, we had to play from behind in all three games. Two of them we couldn't overcome.

"But they came out and competed and they were determined," added Coach Green. "You know, they gave the best effort they had. They played with energy and that's really all you can ask at that point. Everybody's good in a state tournament; there's nobody bad, no off games.

"I'm not disappointed. We made it to the state tournament. It's hard to be disappointed."

Farragut finished 33-7.

"We had a hard-fought season," said Green. "I don't think a lot of people expected us to make it to the state tournament this year after graduating our six seniors from last season.

"We had a lot of new faces, playing new roles, going from role players to everyday starters and just having new responsibilities and the pressure that goes along with those things. I thought they handled them pretty well."

The Lady Admirals lose one starter from this year's team, shortstop Ava Guzowski, and pitching depth. But starting pitcher Emma MacTavish will return for her senior season.

BASEBALL STREAK: With Catholic, Farragut and Hardin Valley reaching the TSSAA state finals in baseball at this year's Spring Fling, Knox County extended its streak of having at least one team in a state championship game to 18 years. Farragut started the streak in 2006.

TRUSS BEATS JALONI:  Chloe Truss' state win in the 100-meter dash for Catholic came against Ensworth basketball star Jaloni Cambridge. Truss crossed the finish line in 12.0 seconds, while Cambridge placed second with a time of 12.19.

Earlier this year, the Lady Irish basketball team defeated Ensworth in the Division II-AA state finals. Cambridge, a junior and the No. 1 player in the ESPN Top 50, scored 41 points in the 64-59 loss to Catholic at Cookeville on March 4.

UNION CO. SHINES: Nearby Union County High School in Maynardville had a Spring Fling to remember. The Patriots won the Class 2A baseball title and also got state track titles from sophomore Callie Wetzel in the 100 and 300-meter hurdles and senior Alden Wetzel in the 200-meter dash. Alden also placed second in the 400 and third in the 100.

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