LONDON — When it comes to state tournament experience no fastpitch program has more than North Laurel High School.
The Lady Jaguars have complied a 37-33 record in state tournament play, which includes winning a state championship in 2001, and finishing state runner-ups in 2000, and 2008.
North Laurel also surpassed Christian County as the state’s winningest Fastpitch program at 857 wins while Christian County now has 841 wins.
With that said, North Laurel coach Chris Edwards knows his team can’t depend on past success once the KHSAA Fastpitch State Tournament begins Thursday, but he also likes what his team brings to the table as well.
“I think we have a good chance to make some noise in the state tournament. It all really depends on match ups and the draw you get,” he said. “We drew a team that we played earlier in the season and know a little bit about. We are not satisfied with just making it there. We want to advance.
“As always the keys for us to be successful is pitching and defense,” he added. “I’ve been saying it for a while but when we pitch well and play defense well, we are going to be a tough out for anyone.”
Edwards referred to himself as an “old-fashioned kind of coach”, only focusing on finding a way to beat first round opponent Letcher Central while taking things one game at a time.
“It doesn’t matter who is after that if we don’t get past them (Let her Central),” he said. “However, some of the teams that have been in and at the top of the coach’s polls are here. Lex. Cath, Henderson County and Daviess County to just name a few.
“The keys are the same as they have been all year,” Edwards added. “Catch everything you should catch and someone make a great play. Follow the game plan and execute. Get the extra base, get the bunt down, all of the small things that have made us successful this season.”
