How does a rain delay that lasts two days affect high school aged athletes? Better yet, how about if it’s the defending state champion Madisonville Lady Maroons taking on the #3 team in the state, the Christian County Lady Colonels, who have beaten them twice in the regular season.
Both teams have experience, but is there enough experience to shake off the nerves and pick up where they left off?
Both teams had settled into their groove when the game was called due to torrential rain Tuesday night. Each team enjoyed a momentum swing.
Madisonville came out on fire with hot hitting, scoring 3 runs in the first inning. Christian County’s starting pitcher, Lexie O’Daniel appeared to be suffering from shoulder pain and switched to second base in the second inning to allow senior Regan Hancock a shot at the Maroons from the circle.
Hancock came back on fire and got herself out of two situations with bases loaded. She was the first kid out of the dugout cheering on her team when CCHS took the lead in the top of the 4th.
However, it appeared the momentum was about to swing Madisonville’s way with one on first, and a run scored in the bottom of the 4th when the umpire called for a rain delay.
Both coaching staffs are likely saying, “It’s a new day, kids. We got this”.
Time will tell.
Christian County and Madisonville are set to resume their game at 5:30 Thursday, with the other semifinal between Caldwell County and Crittenden County to follow.
