SOFTBALL: Players' meeting brings results

By Ben Coley
Published in Sports on March 30, 2017 10:00 AM

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bcoley@newsargus.com

PIKEVILLE -- After a disappointing loss to South Central last Friday, Charles B. Aycock decided it was time to hold a private, players-only meeting on Tuesday.

Golden Falcons' head coach LaVon Matthews didn't know what was said, and he chose not to ask. He knew his players could handle the issues themselves.

Whatever was said, it had the intended effect.

CBA returned to true form and snapped a two-game losing streak with an 8-4 win over Cleveland on Wednesday.

"I think they all got an understanding and love for each other," said Matthews, regarding the meeting. "They're ready to move forward and do what's best for the ball team. I don't know what went on, but they said it was a very productive meeting."

That production translated directly to the softball diamond. Facing a 3-1 deficit in the fourth inning, the Golden Falcons decided it was time to dig their heels into the dirt.

Cassandra Lassiter opened the inning with a lead-off single and then Hannah Vinson drew a walk. Taylor Puetz brought both runners home after roping a two-RBI double into the gap. Mackenzie Wheeler later hit a sacrifice fly.

In a flash, CBA led 4-3.

"Nobody ran through the stop sign tonight," Matthews chuckled. "So that was wonderful. When you don't run through the stop sign, that means runs. They hit the ball really well. Of course, they've been hitting the ball really well all year."

Though it had a lead, CBA was far from satisfied.

The Golden Falcons exploded with five hits and four runs in the fifth inning. Lassiter and Wheeler added RBI singles and Allison Shingleton recorded an RBI sacrifice fly.

Wheeler -- the winning pitcher -- allowed four hits and three runs in the first three innings. In the final four frames, she gave up one hit and one run. She finished with three strikeouts and two walks.

"Determination," Matthews said. "And that's the way we play. We play, with nobody on base, sort of nonchalant and let the game unfold. And then it seems like when we get runners in scoring position, the girls are more determined to put the bat on the ball."

The Golden Falcons stole six bases, including three from Connor Vinson. She, along with Mookie Powell and Lassiter, led CBA with two hits apiece.

Matthews told his players before the game that Cleveland had the talent similar to what they'd face in the second or third round of the playoffs. He believed the team responded well -- a standard he expects for the rest of the season.

"Now is the time to buckle down and act like this was a state tournament game," Matthews said. "And let's see what you can do...They've got a lot of heart."