Johnson Central falls to Rowan County

Preparing for its second game in the KHSAA Softball State Tournament, Johnson Central practiced at Georgetown College on Friday, June 2. Photo courtesy of Johnson Central High School.

STAFF REPORT

BSN

LEXINGTON — Rowan County plated one run in the bottom half of the seventh inning to edge Johnson Central 4-3 in the quarterfinals of the KHSAA Softball State Tournament at the University of Kentucky’s John Cropp Stadium on Saturday, June 3.

Rowan County overcame four errors to claim the win.

Offensively, each team recorded seven hits.

Rowan County pitcher Trinity Lambert claimed the win in the circle. Lambert allowed two earned runs while registering 13 strikeouts over seven innings.

Johnson Central pitcher Maddie Vaughn took the loss in the circle. Vaughn allowed four earned runs while recording two strikeouts over six and one-third innings.

Lambert (one hit), Kassi Perkins (two hits, three RBIs), Malana Hamm (three hits), Lauryn Eastham (one hit) and Brynlee Walker (one RBI) each produced at the plate for 16th Region title winner Rowan County in its thrilling one-run win.

Vaughn (RBI), Adyson Burchett (two hits, one RBI), Mayson Delong (two hits), Randi Delong (one hit), Josie Dials (one hit) and Abbie Stambaugh (one hit) each contributed at the plate for Johnson Central in the state tournament game.

The loss eliminated Johnson Central from the KHSAA Softball State Tournament. Johnson Central exited the 2023 high school softball season 28-10.