SOFTBALL

Jackson Christian's Kacie Lynch ends high school career with MVP performance

Michael Odom
Jackson Sun

With her season over at Jackson Christian, Kacie Lynch had one more opportunity on Thursday to step onto the field as a high school softball player.

Lynch was a member of the Blue Team in the 2017 Billy Schrivner West Tennessee High School All-Star Game held at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex.

Jackson Christian's Kacie Lynch, right, slides safely to second base before Chester County's Baylee Smith can make the catch and tag during the 2017 Billy Schrivner West Tennessee High School All-Star Game on Thursday, June 1, at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex.

She made sure to make the most of it, as she went 2-for-4 with two runs scored to be named the game's Most Valuable Player.

"It is awesome," Lynch said about being named MVP. "I just love being out here with people that I have played with before and getting to play with them again."

Lynch ends a successful career at Jackson Christian as she helped the Lady Eagles to two sectional appearances and a top-four finish in the Class A state tournament this year.

"The leadership skills I have gotten from my coaches and things that I have learned from younger players in helping them grow," Lynch said about what she will take away from high school. "Making the state tournament was our goal since middle school; the three seniors, we wanted to end it like this. I feel like we reached our potential and did so good at state."

Those leadership skills are one asset that makes Lynch an NCAA Division I player as she will continue her softball career at UT Chattanooga next season.

"She is a great team player, works hard and has a great attitude," Jackson Christian coach Jennifer Wheeler said. "I think a lot of getting to play on the next level is her drive to work hard."

Some players got longer to prepare for the all-star game, but Lynch had one week after playing at the state tournament last week.

"I liked my week off, and I was excited to come back for this game," Lynch said. "We have travel ball starting tomorrow in Alabama."

One of those seniors whom Lynch has played with for four years at Jackson Christian is Kayla Forsythe, and the two were on opposite teams for the all-star game.

"She was up there at bat, and I would be waving at her," Lynch said jokingly. "I knew she would hit it."

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754 and on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.