Springfield softball clinches first-ever state tournament berth

Luis Torres
Nashville Tennessean

SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. – Hanging inside the Springfield High School gymnasium are two softball banners.  

One of them commemorates a Springfield Lady Yellow Jackets team, which won the district championship in the early 1980s. The other commemorates the 1991 team, which finished runner-up in the district.  

They'll be hanging another one once this season ends. For the first time in program history, the Lady Yellow Jackets are heading to the state tournament. 

Springfield (35-10) defeated Summit 7-0 in a TSSAA Class AAA sectional on Friday, clinching the team's first-ever trip to the state tournament, which begins on Tuesday during Spring Fling in Murfreesboro. 

"It's hard to describe," coach Daniel Owsley said. "It's something every coach dreams of doing. These girls made it happen. ... There's no quit in these kids. They want to play (and) they want to win."

Owsley, now in his seventh season with the Lady Yellow Jackets, endured a tough stretch at the beginning of his tenure. In his first year, Springfield went 3-21. 

The next year saw a seven-win improvement as Owsley continued to guide the program in the right direction. He said the coaching staff put an onus on scouting and providing new information for the team. 

A new softball field helped along with an indoor hitting facility. Along with the investment off the field, the team started to grow in numbers, with more players interested in joining. 

It took time, but the program is starting to win. 

Springfield celebrates their 7 to 0 win over Summit during their TSSAA Class AAA sectional softball game at Springfield High School Friday, May 17, 2019 in Springfield, Tenn.

"It's a process of staying the course and putting everything together that we believe in," he said. 

The current senior class also endured its struggles. Owsley continued to rebuild the program while changing the culture. 

"It's crazy because starting out my freshman year, it was rough. We just built ourselves up (for) this year," senior outfielder Emilee Bundy said. "There's been many tears, we've cried so much."

Bundy, one of two seniors on the team, said the they turned a corner during a tournament in Gulf Shores, Alabama, building chemistry with one another. 

The Lady Yellow Jackets held their own against some of the top teams from the state of Alabama. There were close to 50 teams in the tournament and Owsley said Springfield finished inside the top 20. 

From there, the team continued to gain momentum and confidence. 

Freshman pitcher Brie Asmondy emerged as a force both in the circle and at the plate. She has 18 home runs on the season and pitched a complete game shutout on Friday against Summit. 

Springfield used a six-run third inning and cruised from there. 

Asmondy induced a groundout for the last out of the game and a dogpile ensued on the field afterward. 

The realization set in, and Springfield softball history had been made. 

"It's just an amazing feeling and amazing experience for these kids," Owsley said. "These girls are going to celebrate. I can tell you that."

Reach Luis Torres at ltorres1@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @LFTorresIII.