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COLUMBIA WEATHER

Record-setting effort pushes Columbia Academy past DCA for DII-A softball title





Columbia Academy’s Lady Bulldogs celebrate with the Division II-A softball state championship trophy following Friday’s 13-0, five-inning victory over Donelson Christian.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy’s Lady Bulldogs celebrate with the Division II-A softball state championship trophy following Friday’s 13-0, five-inning victory over Donelson Christian.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

There’s going out with a bang, and then there’s what Averi Slaughter and Myleah Hardy did Friday.

In the final game of their high school softball career, the Columbia Academy duo powered their team to a dominant end to a dominant Division II-A state tournament performance.

Slaughter came up one walk shy of a perfect game, settling for a seven-strikeout, no-hit effort, while Hardy tied a state tourney record with three home runs as the Lady Bulldogs downed Donelson Christian 13-0 in five innings to claim their third title in as many Spring Fling appearances.

It was CA’s second win of the day over the Lady Wildcats, as they advanced into the championship game with a 7-0 win that included another Hardy homer. The Freed-Hardeman signee had six home runs in three tournament games, breaking the previous record of four held by four different players.

Joining Hardy in the homer-hitting club for the final game were Tori Duval and Kennedy Chatman, giving the Lady ‘Dawgs a tourney record total of five.

Columbia Academy’s softball players ‘dogpile’ in the middle of the infield following their Division II-A state tournament title game victory Friday over Donelson ChristianDEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy’s softball players ‘dogpile’ in the middle of the infield following their Division II-A state tournament title game victory Friday over Donelson ChristianDEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

“That’s insane. I’m in awe. I’m shocked,” Hardy said. “But it’s not all about me. It’s my team. I’m not the only one that did anything. They’ve always kept me in a positive mindset, and I’ve kept them in a positive mindset.”

That positivity throughout the lineup and the dugout helped Columbia Academy to a 39-6 season and wins in 22 of their final 23 outings.

“I couldn’t be happier,” CA coach Seth Anderson said after his team won its second consecutive DII-A championship, to go with a Class A title in 2019. “We played the toughest schedule I’ve had. I was thinking we’d possibly have double-digit losses.

“To come out and compete – we had a strong senior class that really led the way. We had a tough stretch at the beginning of April, after we came back from Gulf Shores (Ala.) and lost two at the Brentwood tournament. But we rallied around that and ran off 18 straight.”

That win streak included a pair of victories in the DII-A Middle Region tournament over Donelson Christian (23-12), by scores of 7-1 and 4-0.

Members of the Columbia Academy softball team pose with the Division II-A state championship trophy following their 13-0, five-inning victory over Donelson Christian in Friday’s title game.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Members of the Columbia Academy softball team pose with the Division II-A state championship trophy following their 13-0, five-inning victory over Donelson Christian in Friday’s title game.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Little changed Friday.

“They’re an incredible team,” DCA coach Kristi Heath said. “They’ve got a great offense. Sometimes it’s just a matter of time before they string some hits together. Once their bats get going, it’s hard to stop them.”

That was the case in the morning matchup, as Columbia Academy led just 1-0 before a six-run sixth highlighted by Chloe Carter and M.J. Harakas doubles ahead of a Hardy three-run homer.

CA didn’t wait as long in the finale, as DCA freshman Bailey Shepard – making her third start of the day, following a 3-1 win over Lakeway Christian in the losers bracket finals – gave up five runs in the first frame on a Hardy three-run shot, an Anna Brewer base hit and a Laney Turner groundout.

“She’s thrown every game this year,” Heath said. “The more they see her, they’re going to hit the ball.

The celebration begins for Columbia Academy’s softball team, following a 13-0, five-inning victory over Donelson Christian in the finals of the Division II-A state tournament.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

The celebration begins for Columbia Academy’s softball team, following a 13-0, five-inning victory over Donelson Christian in the finals of the Division II-A state tournament.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

“Their bats are always going.”

Five runs were enough for Slaughter – but she got more, on Chatman’s three-run homer in the second. Then, after Shepard yielded the circle to Zoe Lawrence, Duval and Hardy had back-to-back solos to open the fourth before Hardy closed things out with another three-run blast in the fifth.

“I’m not disappointed in a 13-0 win,” Slaughter said. “But, you work so hard, and for that to be the final game – I’m proud of my team for scoring 13 runs.”

Slaughter retired the first nine batters she faced before yielding a fourth-inning leadoff walk to Jaylee Lopez. From there, though, she sat down the last six Lady Wildcats, three by strikeout.

“I’ll take a no-hitter,” Anderson said. “Averi threw fantastic. She hit her spots. She pitched with a lot of confidence with five, eight, 13 runs to play with.”

Hardy, Chatman and Duval were a combined 10-for-10 for the game, with the five homers and 11 runs batted in.

Columbia Academy's Seth Anderson (left) is presented the Division II-A softball state championship coach's plaque following the Lady Bulldogs' 13-0, five-inning win Friday over Donelson Christian.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy’s Seth Anderson (left) is presented the Division II-A softball state championship coach’s plaque following the Lady Bulldogs’ 13-0, five-inning win Friday over Donelson Christian.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

“It was in the back of my mind – we’ve played this team four times, we’ve seen this girl (Shepard) four times,” Hardy said. “We know how to adjust.

“We hit the ball really well.”

Hardy’s seven RBIs were one short of the tournament single-game record set by Baylor’s Lauren Lewis in 2013, and her three homers tied a mark set by Siegel’s Veronica Westfall in 2016.

“What she’s done the last two years – leading the state in homers last year, and getting pitched differently but still producing ridiculous numbers – she’s stayed in that ‘3’ hole for a reason,” Anderson said.

For the tournament, Hardy’s 13 RBIs were two short of the record set by Baylor’s Lewis in 2013 and matched by Meigs County’s Madison Crabtree in 2017. She matched the total posted by Lexington‘s Brooklyn Hays in 2013.

Finally, CA’s nine home runs in three tourney games were the third-most, behind Meigs County and Forrest (13 each in 2017) and ahead of East Hamilton (eight in 2013).

Columbia Academy parents take pictures of the softball team during the Division II-A state championship trophy presentation following the Lady Bulldogs' 13-0, five inning win over Donelson Christian in Friday's finals.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy parents take pictures of the softball team during the Division II-A state championship trophy presentation following the Lady Bulldogs’ 13-0, five inning win over Donelson Christian in Friday’s finals.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

“I couldn’t be more proud of my team,” Hardy said. “We’re close, we’re tight. We do everything as a team.”

And with a 119-14 record over the past four years, the bar has been set.

“Columbia Academy softball is at its peak,” Slaughter said. “We’ve worked hard. We deserve this. No doubt, they’re going to be jut as successful in the years to come. I’m sure everybody on this team wants to come back and do this again. They know what it’s like and what it takes.”

Winners bracket final

Columbia Acad. 7, Donelson Chr. 0

D 000 000 0 – 0 4 0

C 001 006 x – 7 12 0

Bailey Shepard and Heather Scales. Averi Slaughter and Laney Turner. W: Slaughter. L: Shepard. HR: Columbia Acad. – Myleah Hardy.

Championship

Columbia Acad. 13, Donelson Chr. 0 (5 inn.)

Donelson Christian centerfielder Anaya Dawson runs down a flyball in the right-center field gap during Friday's Division II-A state softball tournament matchup with Columbia Academy.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Donelson Christian centerfielder Anaya Dawson runs down a flyball in the right-center field gap during Friday’s Division II-A state softball tournament matchup with Columbia Academy.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

C 530 23 – 13 13 0

D 000 00 – 0 0 1

Averi Slaughter and Laney Turner. Bailey Shepard, Zoe Lawrence (4) and Heather Scales. W: Slaughter. L: Shepard. HR: Columbia Acad. – Myleah Hardy 3, Kennedy Chatman, Tori Duval.

Donelson Christian coach Kristi Heath meets with her team during Friday's Division II-A state softball tournament matchup against Columbia Academy.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Donelson Christian coach Kristi Heath meets with her team during Friday’s Division II-A state softball tournament matchup against Columbia Academy.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Karli Quillin slides home with a run during Columbia Academy's 7-0 victory Friday over Donelson Christian.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Karli Quillin slides home with a run during Columbia Academy’s 7-0 victory Friday over Donelson Christian.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy softball coach Seth Anderson huddles with his team. The Lady Bulldogs defeated Donelson Christian twice Friday, winning 7-0 in the Division II-A state tournament winners bracket finals and 13-0 for the championship.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy softball coach Seth Anderson huddles with his team. The Lady Bulldogs defeated Donelson Christian twice Friday, winning 7-0 in the Division II-A state tournament winners bracket finals and 13-0 for the championship.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Averi Slaughter allowed four hits in Columbia Academy's 7-0 win Friday morning over Donelson Christian, then threw a no-hitter as the Lady Bulldogs defeated DCA 13-0 in five innings Friday night for the Division II-A state championship.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Averi Slaughter allowed four hits in Columbia Academy’s 7-0 win Friday morning over Donelson Christian, then threw a no-hitter as the Lady Bulldogs defeated DCA 13-0 in five innings Friday night for the Division II-A state championship.DEBORAH BEU / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy's Myleah Hardy is congratulated by coach Seth Anderson after a first-inning home run in the Division II-A state championship game Friday against Donelson Christian. CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy’s Myleah Hardy is congratulated by coach Seth Anderson after a first-inning home run in the Division II-A state championship game Friday against Donelson Christian. CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy's dugout celebrates after a home run from the Bulldogs in the state championship game on Friday.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy’s dugout celebrates after a home run from the Bulldogs in the state championship game on Friday.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy first base coach Danny Ford congratulates freshman Anna Brewer after a base hit during the Lady Bulldogs' Division II-A championship game Friday against Donelson Christian.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy first base coach Danny Ford congratulates freshman Anna Brewer after a base hit during the Lady Bulldogs’ Division II-A championship game Friday against Donelson Christian.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Karli Quillin reacts to a phenomenal catch by Lila Pulley in right field for Columbia Academy.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Karli Quillin reacts to a phenomenal catch by Lila Pulley in right field for Columbia Academy.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy's Lila Pulley (left) and Karli Quillin run off the field after Pulley's catch for the third out in right field.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy’s Lila Pulley (left) and Karli Quillin run off the field after Pulley’s catch for the third out in right field.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy first base coach Danny Ford celebrates after a home run for the Lady Bulldogs in the Division II-A state championship.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy first base coach Danny Ford celebrates after a home run for the Lady Bulldogs in the Division II-A state championship.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Myleah Hardy is congratulated by Columbia Academy coach Danny Ford after a home run in the Division II-A state championship.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Myleah Hardy is congratulated by Columbia Academy coach Danny Ford after a home run in the Division II-A state championship.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy catcher Laney Turner (left), pitcher Averi Slaighter and third baseman M.J. Harakas prep for the final inning of their Division II-A state championship game Friday against Donelson ChristianCHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy catcher Laney Turner (left), pitcher Averi Slaighter and third baseman M.J. Harakas prep for the final inning of their Division II-A state championship game Friday against Donelson ChristianCHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

The Columbia Academy Lady Bulldogs embrace one another after the final out of the 2022 Division II-A softball state championship.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

The Columbia Academy Lady Bulldogs embrace one another after the final out of the 2022 Division II-A softball state championship.CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

The Columbia Academy Lady Bulldogs ‘dogpile’ on the field of Murfreesboro’s Starplex following their 13-0, five-inning win Friday over Donelson Christian for the 2022 TSSAA Division II-A state championship, marking the program’s third consecutive state title. For full coverage, see Sports on B1.Once ... twice ... three times a Lady (Bulldog)CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

The Columbia Academy Lady Bulldogs ‘dogpile’ on the field of Murfreesboro’s Starplex following their 13-0, five-inning win Friday over Donelson Christian for the 2022 TSSAA Division II-A state championship, marking the program’s third consecutive state title. For full coverage, see Sports on B1.Once … twice … three times a Lady (Bulldog)CHRIS YOW / MAIN STREET MAURY

Columbia Academy's Lady Bulldogs celebrate after the final out of their 13-0, five-inning victory Friday over Donelson Christian for the Division II-A softball state championship.BY MAURICE PATTONMain Street Maury
 

 

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