Lady Eagles defeat Pikeville for third straight 15th Region title

Johnson Central captured its third straight 15th Region softball title on Wednesday, June 1. Photo courtesy of Johnson Central High School Athletics

STAFF REPORT

BSN

BELFRY — Capturing its third straight title, Johnson Central defeated rival Pikeville 8-2 in the 15th Region Softball Tournament championship game at Massey Energy Field on Wednesday, June 1.

Maddie Vaughn earned the win in the circle for the Lady Eagles. Vaughn limited Pikeville to two runs on six hits.

Pikeville pitcher Emily Ford took the loss in the circle.

Striking first, Pikeville plated one run in the bottom half of the first inning. But Johnson Central answered, crossing home plate once in the top half of the second inning to pull even.

Johnson Central manufactured seven runs in back-to-back at-bats to lead 8-1.

Under the direction of Coach Joey Estep, Johnson Central outhit 15th Region rival Pikeville 14-6.

Kendal Hall (four hits, one RBI), Mayson Delong (three hits), Kaleigh Welch (one hit, two RBIs) and Clara Blair (two hits, one RBI) each produced at the plate as part of Johnson Central’s offensive attack.

Kelcie Adams (two hits) paced Pikeville at the plate.

Following the region championship-clinching victory, Johnson Central improved to 25-13.

The loss eliminated Pikeville (23-13) from the 2022 high school softball postseason.

Johnson Central advanced to meet Region 7 title winner Ballard in the KHSAA Softball State Tournament.