USJ softball plans to remain consistent in coming years
JACKSON – University School of Jackson head softball coach Brian Dunn wasn’t the happiest he’s ever been after his team was eliminated by Friendship Christian in two games Thursday night, 7-0 and 11-2.
But things could’ve been worse.
“It’s not like we lost to a bad team tonight,” Dunn said. “I don’t like the fact we’re not going to the state tournament, but I can handle it OK if the better team won.
“And I think the better team won tonight.”
The loss marked the second time in eight years since moving to Division II-A the Lady Bruins won’t compete for the state championship in Murfreesboro. Both misses of the trip to Middle Tennessee were a round short in sub-state. The other one was two years ago to Friendship Christian.
“What can you say other than ‘congratulations and good luck’ to them and ‘thank you’ to our girls for the work they put in this year?” Dunn said. “I’m blessed with the girls I’ve gotten to coach this year and am fortunate to be where I am.”
The loss and elimination sting, but Dunn said he’s proud of what the Lady Bruins accomplished with their 22-8 record and region championship.
“We worked for two weeks to prepare for that region tournament getting in the cage and taking rise balls and fast balls from different machines going at the same time,” Dunn said. “We wouldn’t tell them which machine the next pitch would come from. We just had one set to send risers and the other sent to fast balls.
“After a couple of weeks of that, they figured out a little better how each one looks, and that helped us win region.”
The season’s 22 victories marked a few milestones for Dunn in his career with his 1,100th win as a coach overall, his 800th win as a softball coach and 300th win as USJ’s softball coach.
The Lady Bruins’ future looks competitive. Eighth-grade pitcher Sydney Fesmire recorded 17 of USJ’s 22 wins in the circle. Shortstop Kallie Pickens has one more season remaining to play in high school. She hit a home run in the loss to Friendship Christian.
“It’s not just those two,” Dunn said. “There’s a ton potential for this team going forward. I just hoped we’ve have another week before we began looking forward.”
Reach Brandon Shields at bjshields@jacksonsun.com or at 731-425-9751. Follow him on Twitter @JSEditorBrandon or on Instagram at jacksonsunsports.