The Newport Plain Talk

ELIZABETHTON-It was quite a run for the Cosby Lady Eagles, saving their best for when it counted most.

But, the run came to an end on Monday evening in the Region 1A semifinals. On the road at Unaka, a team many feel is a state tournament team, the Lady Eagles couldn't solve Lady Rangers pitcher Jamie Andrews. Andrews led the Lady Rangers to a 15-0 victory, and a showdown with North Greene, who defeated Jellico in the other Region 1A semifinal 13-0, ending the season for both remaining District 2A squads.

The Lady Eagles were playing their best softball of the year in postseason play. After losing their opener to Washburn in the District 2A tournament at Washburn, the Lady Eagles came storming back to beat Hancock County, and then defeated Washburn in the loser's bracket final. The win over Washburn sealed a berth in the Region 1A Tournament, and a spot in the District 2A championship against Jellico.

The Lady Eagles put up a valiant effort, and fought Jellico tooth-and-nail before eventually falling in the District 2A championship game. But, the season wasn't over, and the squad immediately went to work on their showdown with Unaka.

The Lady Rangers, however, jumped on the Lady Eagles early, scoring eight runs in the bottom of the first, six more in the bottom of the second, and their final fun in the bottom of the fourth. Megan Williams was two-for-two at the plate, including a double, while fellow senior Lindsey Hall was 1-3.

The loss meant the end of the season for the Lady Eagles, and the closing chapter in the incredible careers of the three seniors, Kalsea Mantooth, Megan Williams and Lindsey Hall.

All three were basketball and softball stars through their four years at Cosby. Williams and Hall also were stellar on the Lady Eagles' volleyball squad, while Mantooth was instrumental in the start of a girl's soccer program at Cosby. These three young ladies are pure class, and they will be missed.

But, first year head coach Steven Swann will have a strong contingent of returning starters for the 2009 campaign, something definitely to look forward to.