Bob Jones softball guts out a tough win over Florence
Madison- Bob Jones softball coach Kent Chambers wasn’t sure what to expect Tuesday night when his third-ranked Lady Patriots took the field against Florence in an Area 15 matchup.
Just three days before, on Saturday, Bob Jones had to play six games in a span of twelve hours in the tournament they hosted. Despite winning 5 of those games, they lost in the championship game to Sparkman who had won four games to get there. The Senators began the day with a bye.
The hangover effect appeared to still be hanging on the girls Tuesday night as Bob Jones could manage just 4 hits off Florence pitching. That, combined with 6 Florence errors was enough as Bob Jones won 5-0 and stayed undefeated in Area 15 at 4-0.
“It’s always hard to get back up after a big tournament where you played that many games. We were definitely a little flat today,” Chambers said.
The Patriots were also a little banged up after the tournament. Shortstop Brianna Sullivan missed the game with an elbow injury and Amy Carden missed the game with a knee injury.
Fortunately for Bob Jones, Abby Guess did not miss a beat on the mound. Guess had 8 strikeouts and allowed 3 hits while working 7 complete innings for her 11th win of the season.
From the plate, Bob Jones had only 4 hits but Alyssa Warden’s triple scored 2 runs in the first inning and a double from Sky Simmons plated 2 in the fifth inning.
“Conditioning really pays off in a tournament like that. They are in pretty good shape,” Chambers said of the girls. “This group, I know they got the heart I’m not surprised at how they can hold up playing that many games,” Chambers said.
The important part is picking up another win in Area 1 and staying on top of the standings. The going doesn’t get any easier for the Lady Patriots. Bob Jones will host Sparkman on Thursday night and host Austin next Tuesday night in the final home area game of the regular season.