With youth on its side, Houston County softball could return to state

Five of Houston County's nine defensive starters are either freshmen or sophomores.

Only one player on the Lady Irish's 2018 softball roster was a senior and only two juniors are on the team.

With that in mind, Houston County softball coach Delissa Roby found herself smiling after Thursday's 10-0, five-inning state tournament loss to Cascade at the Murfressboro Sports Complex.

"This team is going to really good and we knew that going into the season," Roby said. "We knew this young group was going to be special. We've watched them for a few years now and they are athletic and gifted. It's only a matter of time."

It was the first time Houston County reached the state softball tournament since 2011, and even with Thursday's elimination the experience in Spring Fling mirrored the season.

"Every time this team lost a game, we responded the next day or next game," Roby said. "That was the thing with these girls. They always found a way to pick themselves back up."

Houston County lost its state opener to Sale Creek, 12-2, Tuesday but responded in the consolation bracket with a 9-3 victory against Gibson County. That forced a matchup with Cascade Thursday.

But the Lady Champions had Brooke Sudduth who struck out 11 batters and allowed only two hits as it ended the Lady Irish's season in five frames.

Yet Roby and junior pitcher Kaya Baker know this season wasn't a wash. The Lady Irish never lost two straight games all season, started the 2018 campaign with nine straight wins and won the District 9-A tournament crown.

"This team has shown so much effort and toughness all year," Baker said. "We're all disappointed about (Thursday) but we know we'll be back here at some point."

Houston County finished its season 23-7-1 but captured the program's first ever region championship beating Richland and Columbia Academy in consecutive days.

"To win the region for the first time was huge because it showed everyone that we belonged," Baker said. "I don't think other teams thought we'd be this good this quickly."

Baker joins Sidney Brake as the team's lone juniors while Karlee Pulley is the senior. And with state tournament experience for her underclassmen, Roby can see multiple state tournament appearances in the near future.

"We're going to continue to develop these kids," Roby said. "This is just the beginning really."

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.