Softball team suffers 4-2 loss in state semifinal

The BlueJackets softball team had its dream season come to an end Thursday, losing 4-2 to Jacksonville University Christian in the Class 3A State Semifinals at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida.

In a game that was originally scheduled for Wednesday but was pushed back to Thursday due to inclement weather, the BlueJackets (18-3) battled to a 2-2 tie in the fourth inning after falling behind by two runs in the second inning. Corynn Miner, who will play at the University of Tampa beginning in the fall, hit a solo home run — her fifth of the season — and Jhonelle Young followed shortly thereafter with a run-scoring single.

The Christians (18-9), who were in the state semifinals for the second straight season, regained a two-run lead an inning later when Nyah Morgan hit an inside-the-park home run that would eventually be the game-winner.

“This ends a fantastic run this season,” BlueJackets coach Linda Derk said via email. “Proud of this team and grateful for all the support!”

The BlueJackets, who made the state semifinals for the first time ever, finish the 2016 campaign as the most successful softball team in school history. Corynn completed a stellar career at Farragut with 60 wins and more than 900 strikeouts.

Maiya Fudge, who has signed to play at Bethune Cookman, finished the season with a .314 batting average including five doubles and 17 RBIs.

Despite losing three incredible seniors — Corynn, Jhonelle and Maiya — to graduation, the BlueJackets have some impressive players returning.

Alina Dixon ‘17 batted .486 this season with 12 RBIs and 29 runs and was the team’s starting catcher.  Sarah Schleich ‘17, who played first and third, batted .375 with 21 RBIs. Krystine Hartley, a seventh-grader, started at short and batted .458 with nine doubles, 21 runs and 23 RBIs. Alyssa Rano, an eighth-grader who can play multiple positions, batted .367 with three doubles, two triples, and 25 runs.

— photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Times