James Clemens shuts out Hazel Green, 8–0
Laura-Lin Chaffin takes a swing against the Hazel Green Trojans on March 17 at the James Clemens softball complex. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)
By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer
MADISON – The grass was greener for the James Clemens softball team in its make-up game on St. Patrick’s Day against the visiting Hazel Green Trojans, as the Jets held Hazel Green scoreless over seven innings to get another Area win a week after defeating Bob Jones.
Even with the recent weather improvements, the Jets only played their 11th game of the season against the Trojans on March 17. Head coach A.J. Daugherty said the team is starting to find its identity.
“It’s nice to kind of get into the flow,” Daugherty said. “Grind is a negative word sometimes, but [we’re] into the grind of the season. People’s true colors start to bubble up right now. The new is kind of wearing off, and you get to see who’s put in the work, who’s committed, who’s invested and we’re excited about where we’re at.”
The Jets scored three runs in the first inning off of a double from the leadoff hitter Shelby Booker and another double from Laura-Lin Chaffin, batting fourth, who scored Booker and Caroline Payne.
Hazel Green tightened up and allowed one run over the next two innings, but James Clemens pitcher Emily Jacklin and the rest of the Jets’ fielding was air tight, as Jacklin allowed only two hits the entire seven-inning game.
“It felt awesome,” Jacklin, who also notched six strikeouts, said. “The team definitely had my back throughout the whole game with the defense. They did awesome behind me.”
Renee Bolduc went 3-for-3 on the afternoon, with each of her hits coming as singles. Booker, Bolduc and Chaffin had two runs apiece. Jacklin and senior Abbey Payne had two RBIs.
“Emily pitched a heck of a game, and that’s something to be proud of because Hazel Greens’ not a slouch team, offensively or defensively,” Daugherty said. “But I’m proud of us for playing as well as we did defensively, and Emily for the pitching performance.”
The Jets will spend their Spring Break at a tournament in Gulf Shores and will travel to play Area foe Sparkman on March 31 at 5 p.m.
