CYNTHIANA — The Mason County Lady Royals’ season came to an end Monday afternoon at Shirley Field in the 10th Region fast-pitch softball tournament, falling to the host school, power-laden Harrison County, 22-6 in three innings.

   The power-hitting Fillies lifted their season mark to 30-7. The Lady Royals finished with a 9-19 record.

   Despite the loss, Mason County coach Meredith Fraysure was pleased with the improvement demonstrated by her young club during the 2010 season.

   “We’re moving in the right direction,” Fraysure said. “We had 60 more hits than we did last season, and we cut our strikeouts in half. Today, our girls made contact, even after the rain delay and never quit. Our two seniors (Sarah Mitchell and Hilary Doyle) will be missed, but we will have a lot of returning players next year.”

   The Fillies showed why they’re considered one of the region favorites by clubbing 17 hits, including 11 extra-base hits, with three of those flying over the fence.

   Harrison County scored 12 runs in the second inning when they sent 16 batters to the plate. Included in the barrage were a pair of two-run home runs to center field, the first from senior shortstop Rachel Hatfield, and the second from sophomore first baseman Lucinda Boyers. 

Hatfield ended the game with a second two-run bomb over the left field fence with no outs in the bottom of the third inning to give the Fillies a mercy-rule victory.

   “She’s a monster, and she should be playing somewhere in college next year,” said Fraysure about Hatfield. “Christine (Garrett, the Harrison County coach) does a fantastic job with that program, and they’re having a great season. They earned all of their runs, and it’s never a good sign when we have to play our left fielder and center fielder right up against the fence, but they’re that good.”

   The Lady Royals did not just lie down however, coming up with a five-run rally in the long third inning, which was interrupted by a one hour, 11 minute rain delay. Mason County received run-scoring hits from Bethany Foister, Taylor Douglas and Andreana Bennett during the frame, along with a sacrifice fly from Leigh Newdigate that plated Abby Huff, who led the inning off with a walk. The first Mason run was scored in the first inning when a Foister single scored Cara Irwin, who had an infield hit.

Lady Royals Class of 2010

"One chance is all you need."
~ Jesse Owens

Mitchell to Midway 

     Mason County senior Sarah Mitchell will be suiting up for the Midway College Eagles and coach Leigh Oakley next season. Mitchell had a signing ceremony on Wednesday.

    After Senior Night, this was written about Mitchell and fellow senior Hilary Doyle in the Ledger Independent: 

    On an evening in which the seniors were being celebrated, Fraysure went on to talk about the future of the two off the field. Mitchell plans to play softball collegiately at Midway College while Doyle, who sang the national anthem before the game, plans to go to Middle Tennessee State and major in recording industry.

    "They're truly my first graduating class, and they're a great class to start out with," she added. "I'm excited to have Sarah playing at the next level. That makes you feel good as a coach to have someone who's able to play collegiately. Also, Hilary's got a fantastic voice and is going on to do something nice as well. It's good to have girls who you know after they leave you will make an impact on the world."

    Matt Montavon's Ledger Independent story about the signing can be found here.