Rain could once again affect local teams at GHSA softball championships

Gordon Lee's Emma Minghini stretches out to make a catch at first base during a game at Trion on Sept. 6. Gordon Lee is going for its fourth straight GHSA softball state championship, but rival Trion is among the competition in Columbus starting today at the state tournament.
Gordon Lee's Emma Minghini stretches out to make a catch at first base during a game at Trion on Sept. 6. Gordon Lee is going for its fourth straight GHSA softball state championship, but rival Trion is among the competition in Columbus starting today at the state tournament.

The ability to adjust on the fly could once again be a key attribute for any team that hopes to win a title at the GHSA softball state championships in Columbus this weekend.

Rainy weather is in the forecast today, when double-elimination play in all eight classifications begins, as well as most of the day Friday. That could force the GHSA, as it did a year ago, to adjust schedules just to get rounds completed. Tournament finals are set for Saturday, but officials already have started reaching out to coaches to prepare them for changes.

photo Trion's Jenna Mosley throws to first base for an out during a home game against Gordon Lee on Sept. 6. Trion is among the Chattanooga-area softball teams competing for a GHSA state title starting today at the South Commons Complex in Columbus, where weather could be a major factor.

"I've seen a lot of emails about the weather from the GHSA," said Calhoun coach Diane Smith, whose Lady Yellow Jackets will try to repeat as Class AAA champions and win the program's fifth state title in six years. "They are telling us, 'We will make adjustments to the schedule as needed.' It does not look good to go as planned. So, it's like I told my girls, you better stay in the winners bracket, because you never know what will happen with the schedule."

Last year's tournament schedules were altered to avoid heavy rain that set in Saturday afternoon. It caused teams in Friday night's losers-bracket finals to play well after midnight, with those games' winners turning around and playing in the championship round just a few hours later.

The forecast looks better for this Saturday, but if championships cannot be decided by the end of the night, other sites will have to be considered because the South Commons Complex is not available beyond then.

"We had to play at another school's field one year, and that's not ideal," said Dana Mull, coach of Class A public favorite Gordon Lee, which is aiming for its fourth straight title and ninth overall in fastpitch. "And one year we had to play a game that didn't start until 11:15 (p.m.) due to the weather.

"You just never know, but you better be prepared. If it happens, I think we have the pitching to adjust."

Calhoun and Gordon Lee are two of seven Chattanooga-area teams in the brackets, which leads to the possibility of region rematches.

"Everybody around here thinks it will be Sonoraville and Calhoun in the championship," Smith said of the rival Lady Phoenix in Class AAA. "That would be fine with me because there is no one we like whipping more than Sonoraville, and I know it's the same way for them. They are very good and we respect them, so we'll see what happens."

Gordon Lee has two region rivals its bracket - Bowdon and Trion, last year's state runner-up. The Lady Trojans have won all six games against those teams this season, but in Columbus, anything can happen.

"You just don't know who is going to show up and get hot, but it's a distinct possibility we could see Trion or Bowdon again," Mull said. "I look for them to meet up in the second game. It's whoever gets hot and can keep it going."

Heritage and LaFayette represent Region 6 in Class AAAA and are on opposite sides of the bracket. Heritage coach Tanner Moore would love for the two rivals to play for it all.

"I think there is a very, very realistic chance to see LaFayette," he said. "They do a great job, and they are playing so well right now. They have a first-class team, and I told them I was so proud of them and that I hope we meet again."

For Dalton to win it all in Class AAAAAA, the Lady Catamounts likely have to go through Region 6 rivals Allatoona and Harrison, teams they defeated in a surprising run to the region tournament title.

Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.

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