Candice Williams continued her mastery of the Harlan Lady Dragons in a 5-2 win for Jackson County on Thursday in the 13th Region Tournament semifinals at Corbin.
Williams eliminated Harlan in the first round of last year’s regional tournament and the finals of this year’s 13th Region All “A” Classic. She made it three in a row with a two-hitter that included 14 strikeouts and four walks.
Jackson County built an early 4-0 lead with three runs in the first inning and one in the second.
Harlan scored single runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Senior catcher Addison Jackson had a solo homer in the fifth inning — the ninth of the season and 26th of her high school career. Both numbers are likely school and county records.
Ella Lisenbee walked in the sixth inning, then the Lady Generals intentionally walked Jackson before Abbi Fields followed with an RBI double. Williams struck out Ava Nunez, the potential tying run, to end the threat.
Jordyn Smith started in the circle for Harlan and gave up four unearned runs due to six Harlan errors. She gave up three hits and struck out five. Adelynn Lewis pitched the final four innings, giving up one run on four hits with seven strikeout and one walk.
Harlan finished the season with an 18-9 record, which was the second most wins in school history behind only the 22 wins in 2004. The Lady Dragons claimed the first regional tournament win in school history with a victory over Knox Central on Monday. Harlan will lose six starters to graduation from a team that improved each of the past four years after winning only one game in 2021.
“The season did not end the way we wanted it to for our team, especially these seniors. It’s difficult to put into words what these seniors have meant to the program,” Harlan assistant coach Scott Lisenbee said. “They have accomplished so much during their high school careers. Before they took the field as eighth graders, the softball team had not won a game in nearly two years. In their four years, they have now advanced to the regional tournament three straight years, won back to back district championships, and won a regional tournament game — all which are firsts in the history of Harlan softball. They have been an extraordinary group and led the younger girls. I’m excited to see what the future holds for our departing seniors and the rest of the team.”
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Jackson County 310 001 0 — 5. 7. 0
Harlan 000 011 0 — 2. 2. 6
Williams and Fee; Smith, Lewis (4) and Jackson. WP — Williams. LP — Smith (17-9). HR — Jackson (9).