Brittany Patmon of CSAS bats against Columbia.
CSAS runner Kiara Suttles slides into home ahead of a late throw to Columbia catcher Miranda Goats.
Columbia runner Anna Katherine White is safe at second ahead of the throw to Victorious Blanton of CSAS.MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The best high school softball season in Arts & Sciences' program's 19-year history came to an end at Starplex No. 4 on Wednesday with a 13-6 loss to Columbia Academy.
The Lady Bulldogs roughed up CSAS senior starter Brianna Taylor, who had thrown one-hitters in her three previous outings.
"I knew she was a great pitcher," Columbia Academy coach Brad Bradley said. "We just made some adjustments, and we were hungry to hit today."
The Lady Bulldogs trailed 5-1 before rallying for seven runs in the third, including a grand slam by Anna Katherine White.
"I'm not going to take anything away from Brianna," CSAS coach Kaity Holloway said. "That kid is one of the reasons that we're here."
Jamani Greer, one of seven Lady Patriots seniors, went 2-for-4 and had an RBI and scored a run. Junior Victorious Blanton, who along with sophomore Bri'Ana Parker were the only non-seniors in the regular starting lineup, went 2-for-4 and scored a run.
Holloway said letting go of this senior class, which led the program to its first district championship and first region title, is one of the most difficult things she's been through as a coach. The other seniors are Merecedes Benn, Brittany Patmon, Angela Petulla, Gabi Queener and Kiara Suttles.
"I'm a very proud coach," Holloway said. "From the first game of the season when we got shut out by Baylor to being here, we have come such a long way.
"This is the first time here in almost 20 years. I've got to give it to these seniors and to Victorious and Parker as well. My starters, my bench -- I wouldn't be here without all of them."
Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/KelleySmiddie.