Staff writer
LEITCHFIELD -- The Cougar softball team sent its six seniors off in fine fashion Thursday night as they defeated visiting Meade County 5-1 on Senior Night.
After all the tears had been shed in the infield as parents and coaches said goodbye, the Cougars exploded for four quick runs in the first inning, then got a solo home run from freshman shortstop Jordan Clemons to give senior hurler Michelle Critchelow all the offensive help she needed.
Critchelow retired the first nine batters she faced before giving up a walk in the fourth inning. Meade County got its only hit and its run in the fifth, when third-baseman Kristie Allen ripped a one-out triple, then scored on a squeeze bunt. Critchelow walked only the one batter while striking out eight.
Senior Cindy Langley started the Cougars off on the right foot as she singled leading off. Desiree Waterman tried bunting Langley over, but popped the ball down the line at third. Allen had a sure double play as Langley was nearly to second base on the play, but she dropped the ball and all hands were safe.
Senior Beth Glasscock followed with a single to load the bases for Critchelow. Meade's starting pitcher Leah Ray walked Critchelow on four straight pitches to drive in the first run, and the Meade coach replaced Ray with second-baseman Sarah Millay.
Millay retired senior Alicia Strickland, but senior Lee Ann Wood followed with a single to drive in two more runs. Freshman Jenna Cantway drove in the final run of the inning as she flied out to right field.
Clemons led off the second inning by working the count to 1-1 before she got a pitch to her liking from Millay. She sent a towering drive to straight-away center field that cleared the fence by an ample margin to make it 5-0.
Langley had two hits in the game and scored a run, while Glasscock finished with three hits. Clemons added a fourth-inning single to her solo homer.
The Cougars were scheduled to finish the regular season this weekend with games against Shelby County and North Laurel at the University of Louisville in the "Thrill in the Ville," which was being sponsored by Mercy Academy.
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