CORBIN — North Laurel’s Emma Carl turned in one of her best pitching efforts of the season while coming up with a crucial hit at the plate as the Lady Jaguars put an end to Corbin’s season with a 3-1 win during Wednesday’s semifinal action of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament.
Carl came up clutch in the pitcher’s circle, recording a no-hitter while allowing no earned runs and finishing with seven strikeouts.
She also delivered a two-run home run in the second inning that gave her team a 2-0 cushion.
Ellie Adams added a run-scoring single that increased the Lady Jaguars’ lead to 3-0.
That’s all Carl and North Laurel needed.
She dominated in the circle throughout the contest before allowing an unearned run in the top of the seventh.
“Wow, that was one heck of a game,” North Laurel coach Chris Edwards said. “We showed up ready to play and did a great job of executing our game plan.
“What can we say about the game Emma had tonight? A no-hitter in the circle against a team like Corbin is special,” he added. “That’s the only word I can use to describe her game tonight. Certainly, she had the defense behind her tonight. Through the first six innings we caught everything Corbin hit. The seventh inning was a bit of an adventure but both of those were tough plays. Luckily we were able to shut it down before it got out of control.”
The win sets up a winner take all matchup between the Lady Jaguars and South Laurel in Thursday’s 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament title game.
The two teams played twice this season with the Lady Cardinals recording a 9-6 win on March 15 while North Laurel picked up a 12-2 victory on April 29.
Carl led the Lady Jaguars with two hits, two RBI, and one run scored while Adams delivered two hits, an RBI and scored once. Braylee Fawbush also delivered two hits while Katie Sams added a hit.
“Offensively, not as much offense tonight as we’ve had recently but that credit goes to Housley,” Edwards said. “She has always given us fits and tonight was no different. Only seven hits tonight, multiple hits from Braylee Fawbush, Emma Carl, and Ellie Adams. A couple of stolen bases, also. A really good team effort to push three runs across. Of course, Emma’s home run really got us headed in the right direction and Ellie with the add on run in the middle of the game gave us a little bit of cushion.
“I’m really proud of our girls and the game they put together,” he added. “They really played a complete game. I also want give a shout out my coaches. Those guys put in a lot of work whether it is game preparation or game plans. I see the work they do and it is awesome when it all comes together like it did tonight.
“We will enjoy this tonight and get back to work tomorrow,” Edwards continued. “One more big game for the championship. I hope everyone shows up to support both teams. Go Jags.”
Kallie Housley took the loss, pitching six innings while allowing seven hits and three earned runs. She struck out seven batters.
Raegan Walker drove in a run while Mikaila Hopkins scored a run.
