Bob Jones seniors go out in style
Coach Kent Chambers with BJ seniors (top l to r) Polson, Simmons, O’Rourke, Jolliffe, Weir, Carden
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- Brooke Polson saved her best game of her senior season for her final home game. Six seniors, including Polson, were honored Thursday afternoon at Senior Day as Bob Jones defeated Decatur 10-4.
Polson belted a long two-run home run in the sixth inning to extend a four-run lead. Then she headed to the circle where she pitched two scoreless innings to finish the game.
The victory in their final home game could be just the spark the team needs to pump new life into what has been a disappointing season by Bob Jones standards. Despite having a winning record overall, the Patriots finished an uncharacteristic last in Area 15.
“Senior Day is always special because the seniors are so pumped up,” said Bob Jones coach Kent Chambers.
“We’ve been playing well. We’ve got some momentum going and hopefully it is going to carry over to the area tournament. We’re the fourth seed but I feel we have as good a chance as anybody in the tournament. This has to be the toughest area of the state. One through four can get to Montgomery.”
Chambers will be depending on another senior, Angela Jolliffe to continue her strong play in the field and in the circle. She started and went five innings against Decatur. It was the 21st victory of her prolific career as a Patriot.
The versatile Jolliffe ended the game at catcher. She has played third base this season and just about every position for Bob Jones in her career 128 games.
“She’s a great athlete that can play anywhere on the field,” Chambers said of Jolliffe. “She has had a great career with us.”
Jolliffee is among several seniors who had an option to play softball at the next level but instead will focus on her education. She will attend UNA.
Amy Carden, a three-year starter, had two hits and scored two runs in the game. Carden is the only senior who will play softball in college. The career .343 hitter signed a scholarship with UNA. Carden led all seniors playing in 151 career games.
The other seniors who were honored were Sky Simmons, Megan O’Rourke, and Samantha Weir. Coach Pat Cavender is retiring and was also honored for her many years of work with the softball program.
The Patriots will open the Area 15 play next Thursday against Buckhorn at Buckhorn
