The Christian County Lady Colonels made it a “Sweet 16” kind of day Monday in the 8th District softball tournament. Behind a three-inning perfect game from starting pitcher Gracie Harned, the Lady Colonels won their 16th straight district championship by cruising past University Heights 16-0. The string would likely be 17 straight, except for the COVID-19 pandemic knocking out last year’s season.
The last time someone other than the Lady Colonels won the title was back in 2004 when Hopkinsville claimed the crown.
The Lady Colonels settled the issue early in the title game, scoring ten runs in the bottom of the first inning. Christian County then added six more in the bottom of the second inning to end the game after the Lady Blazers batted in the top of the third.
The Lady Colonels scored their 16 runs on ten hits. They were also the beneficiaries of five-hit batters, four walks, and three Lady Blazer errors.
Karlee Crick had a monster game, going 3-3 with two doubles, six RBIs, and a run scored. Tenley Gilbert finished 2-2 with an RBI and a run scored. Chloe Craft was 1-2 with a home run.
Gracie Harned finished her two games Saturday, giving up no hits, and allowing just one base runner over the tournament, that coming on a walk in the win over Fort Campbell.
Both teams will now head on to the 2nd Region tournament which is scheduled to begin Saturday at Christian County High School. Christian County goes in at 23-13, while UHA stands at 6-12.
Following the trophy presentation, the All-District team was announced. Five players from Christian County and five from Hopkinsville were named to the team. Those from Christian County were Karlee Crick, Tenley Gilbert, Reni Shemwell, Riley Hancock, and Pickle Winkler. The All-District team members from Hopkinsville were Karli Herrera, Shaniyah Straight, Anna Hodge, Kaitlyn Kaetzel, and Jakayla Grubbs.
