LONDON — It’s been one heck of a season for Chris Edwards’ North Laurel Lady Jaguars softball team.
They started off the season tagged as the 13th Region’s team to beat in March, and lived up to the hype the entire regular season.
Never letting go of the No. 1 ranking while producing a 29-6 mark, and a perfect 13-0 record against regional teams, including a 4-0 mark in postseason play that led to their second straight, and 20th overall regional crown.
Things might have looked easy for North Laurel, but it was tougher than many think.
Playing a challenging slate while having a bull’s eye on their backs the entire season, added to the pressure packed season.
“The road to the state tournament is always a difficult one,” Edwards said. “This year was no different. Any high school season is a grind and there are always up and downs that come along with it. With the District and Region Tourneys, you have to deal with the familiarity of everyone. Everyone knows the players strengths and weaknesses and you have to find way to adjust.
“After the run we had last season, we all expected to have a target on us,” he added. “However, I have a team full of girls that have been there before and with the five seniors leading the way, we were able to navigate through it.”
The Lady Jaguars have went through the season never suffering consecutive losses which is a huge feat in itself, and never shied away from any challenge, even when trailing Corbin in the first round of the 13th Region Tournament before rallying to win.
“This team certainly doesn’t quit at any time,” Edwards said. “Obviously, we were down to our last three outs in the region tournament and found a way there. Every game that we have lost this season we have at least had a chance to tie the game late. These girls know as long as we have a strike left, we have a chance.
“Our schedule played a huge part in the success of this season,” he added. “We challenged the team early and often with good teams and great pitching just to get ready for the postseason.”
Edwards said the team’s success so far this season can be credited to the hard work they’ve put in during the offseason and regular season play.
“The girls were working hard from the very beginning of the season to put themselves in this position,” he said. “One thing they are very good at is controlling the things they can control. They are on time and get their work in, we have had several throughout the season ask for extra work. When you have them asking for extra work because they have identified something in their game they want to work on, you know their mind is right.”
