CORBIN — They did it once again.
For the 20th time in program history, the North Laurel Lady Jaguars have claimed another fastpitch region championship.
And they did it in dominating fashion.
Under the leadership of coach Chris Edwards, the Lady Jaguars entered the season as the No. 1 ranked team in the 13th Region and maintained that status throughout, securing their second consecutive region title with an impressive 11-1 victory over Jackson County.
With a record of 29-6, North Laurel has now added to its legacy of success, winning region championships in 1995, ’97, ’98, ’99, ’00, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11, ’12, ’15, ’16, ’17, ’21, ’24, and now 2025.
“Great game tonight by our girls,” Edwards said. “I knew we were ready and prepared when we got on the bus to go down there. The girls were really set to play and it showed in the end.
“Emma pitched a really good game,” he added. “Only two hits through the five innings we got to play. Jackson County has a good team but we were able to limit what they liked to do. Emma had several strikeouts and really pitched to contact well and again we caught everything tonight. Pitching and defense led the way for us the week.
“We finally broke through on offense tonight,” Edwards continued. “We had runners on early and left them stranded but bunched some hits together and put the game away in The 4th. Multiple hits from Emma, Saige, Bella Sizemore, and Tessa tonight. Six extra base hits out of our 13 was really what we needed. Home-run from Bella Sizemore came at a great time. I’m just really proud of our girls. We’ve had a tough schedule through the regular season, and it really did help us get prepared for this week. These girls have worked so hard and a lot of that work doesn’t get seen by anyone but the coaches. We demand so much time and effort and it really is rewarding to see it come together. Now we are gonna rest a little and get ready for the State Tournament. Go Jags.”
The Lady Generals (18-16) scored one run in the top of the first inning while the Lady Jaguars answered with 11 runs, scoring a run in the bottom of the first before adding two runs in the third inning while putting the game out of reach with an eight run fourth inning.
Bella Sizemore was clutch at the plate collecting two hits which included a three-run homer. She finished with four RBI, and a run scored. Emma Carl was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two RBI, and three runs scored. Saige McClure also turned in a perfect game at the plate, going 3-for-3 with an RBI, and two runs scored. Tessa Monhollen capped off a perfect 3-for-3 effort with two doubles, two RBI, and a run scored. Katie Keen finished with a hit, an RBI, and a run scored while Katie Sams had a hit and scored once. Bella Finley had a hit while Morgan Edwards scored once.
Carl was dominant in the pitcher’s circle once again, pitching five innings while allowing only two hits and one earned run while striking out five batters.
Kylie Moore had a hit and an RBI for Jackson County while Baylee Berry finished with a hit and scored once.
Candice Williams took the loss, allowing 13 hits and 11 earned runs while striking out three batters.
