Late Run Keeps Blossoms' Record Spotless

Staff Writer

   The University of Arkansas-Monticello Cotton Blossoms' softball team finshed the weekend perfect by completing a late run in the final inning to pull a victory over Southern Indian 4-3, bringing its record to a spotless 12-0.

   The Cotton Blossoms, down three going into the bottom of the seventh, encouraged each batter as they walked to the plate.

   "I never lost confidence, I knew we were going to win," junior catcher Kayla Temple said. "I have never been on a team like this before in my life, we never think we are going to lose."

   In just 15 short minutes, the Blossoms loaded the bases with two singles and a walk-on batter after a wild pitch, the momentum suddenly changed.  Junior outfielder/catcher Becca Tipton, the best percentage hitter for the Blossoms this game, stepped up to the plate.

   "I was loving every minute of it, I wanted to be in that position," Tipton said. "I was just aiming for a single and to just get a hit."

   Tipton gave it a "Weevil wack" and sent the ball over the first-base bag, just barely making it fair as it rolled all the way to side fence near right field. The hit usher in three runs tying the game 3-3 with one out.

   With the winning run on second, the Indians made a pitching change to close out the inning.  Senior Stephanie Schneider got the call, but started out by throwing six straight balls and once again the bases were loaded.

   "When they switch pitchers, I knew for sure we had it because she was easier to me," Tipton said. "Well she just didn't have much spin to her pitch."

   After a strike-out by Schneider, Temple stepped into the batters-box ready to help her team win the game. The first pitch to Temple went right by her face and you could hear a little voice say 'Too high." The next pitch brushed against the dirt, and again you could hear a voice say "Too low."

   This went on until the count became full. Now everyone knew that little voice belonged to Temple and the final pitch made it's way, "Too wide." The crowd and team went wild as Tipton touched home plate to seal the victory 4-3.

   "I call the pitch, because it is just a catcher mentality to see the pitch," Temple said. "I wanted the bat in my hands that was an awesome feeling!"

   Blossoms head coach Alvy Early never showed signs of quitting or doubt going into that last inning.

   "I told them to make this your best bat of the day," Early said. "I think it is a testament to the players, not only in their ability but just believing in one another; that is the thing that has got as far as we have gone."

   The Indians surprised the Blossoms with a 3-0 lead and looked for the shut-out going into the seventh inning.

   "We played hard and we had a little bit of luck, well they had a little bit of luck to get ahead of us," Early, said.

   With the Blossoms' 12-0 record, it seems their luck might be around for some time.

   "It's hard to win every game in this sport, you don't win every game, but who's to say we won't," Early, said. "Right now, we are 12-0, we have good pitching, timely hitting and we play good defense. Those are the things you need to be successful"

The Blossoms will continue their season in the Bentonville Softball Classic Friday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. against East Central, Oklahoma and Missouri State.

Have a comment? Please e-mail us.

©The Voice 2009