Siegel softball seniors' ups and downs include state final, surprising region semifinal loss

It was an interesting softball career for Siegel senior Kristin Lee.

In fact, a roller coaster ride could be a better way to describe the past four years for the Lady Stars seniors.

Their career was epitomized in just one game Monday when Siegel lost a 6-3 lead in the seventh inning and fell to Lincoln County 8-6 in the Region 4-AAA semifinals.

"In softball, you never know," said Lee, the team's lone senior starter and first baseman. "You have to know it could be your last game and you have to leave it all on the field."

Siegel reached the Class AAA state championship game in 2016 before being the first team to drop out of the District 7-AAA tourney last season.

Under first-year coach Shawn Middleton, the Lady Stars bounced back and were one of the top teams in the state for much of the 2018 campaign, even being ranked nationally.

In the end, however, all of that and a 6-3 lead didn't hold up in the final inning of Monday's game. Siegel (32-3) was eliminated with the setback.

"You take a 6-3 lead into the seventh inning and you're feeling pretty good," said Middleton. "You get the first out, but then they get some runners on and (a three-run double ties the game). It takes your breath away."

A three-run double tied things and a squeeze bunt ultimately gave the Lady Falcons the lead.

"I'm going to be thinking, 'What could I have done' all night," Middleton said. "But you can't change it. We still had a tremendous season. You hate it for our three seniors (including Alissa Harden and Kristen Beasley)."

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The unexpected elimination will leave a bad taste in the mouths of Siegel coaches, players and fans for a bit. But Lee said it won't take away from the big season the Lady Stars had.

"We wanted it really bad," said Lee. "We just fell short. It's disappointing."

She also said weathering the ups and downs during her career was tough.

"Sophomore year was great," Lee said. "We had some really good seniors, and going to state was the most amazing feeling. Last year, not getting out of the district motivated us. I have no regrets. I left everything on the field."

Siegel will return eight starters, including all-area player of the year Sophie Golliver on the mound.

While 32-3 will be tough to duplicate, it's the advancement that the Lady Stars hope improves with the experience. For the second consecutive season no 7-AAA team advanced past the region.

"They'll be hungry," Middleton said.

Added Lee, "They're going to do great things. I'm really excited about coming back to watch them."

Smyrna falls: Smyrna dropped a 12-7 decision at Coffee County to end its season. Seniors Lexie Harper, Katie Killen and Makayla Fleming combined for seven hits for the Lady Bulldogs.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.