By Robert Wilson
Together We Will.
That was the slogan Hartfield Academy’s softball team decided upon before this season began.
And together they did.
No. 2 seed Hartfield defeated No. 4 seed Madison-Ridgeland 10-1 Saturday afternoon in Game 3 of the best of three series for its second straight MAIS Class 6A state championship before estimated 250 at Hartfield in Flowood.
Hartfield finished with a 18-7 overall record, an 8-2 conference record and won its third state title in the past four seasons. MRA finished 18-15-1 overall, 5-5 in the conference, and a 1-5 record against Hartfield this season. MRA upset No. 1 seed Jackson Prep 2-0 in the second round of the state tournament.
“Our theme all year has been #TWW – Together We Will,” said second-year Hartfield coach Todd Aultman, who took over for Julie McKinney, who was head coach for six seasons and now is his assistant. “Our program has never been about the accomplishments of an individual, but rather a collective effort to control what we can and do together. We think our success over the last three out of four years specifically speaks for itself. Speaking with the utmost humility and gratitude for every player in the program, past and present, we take pride in the winning culture we have built here. This group of seven seniors and the tremendous selfless teammates around them have left an indelible mark on Hartfield Academy and the MAIS. I am extremely proud of what our team accomplished.”
In Game 3 Saturday, senior Raegan Huber was the winning pitcher, throwing all seven innings and had three hits and two runs batted in. Senior first baseman Faith Tillery had two hits and two RBIs. Junior right fielder-catcher Caroline Cronin had a triple and two RBIs.
Huber had eight hits and eight RBIs, senior third baseman Carson Smith had four hits, five walks and six runs scored. Tillery had five hits in the championship series.
“Our tandem circle of Raegan Huber and senior Ana Campbell Singletary have answered the call year after year after year,” Aultman said. “Carson Smith has been golden for us offensively and defensively with too many highlight reels to mention. Faith Tillery was second with 29 RBIs to Huber’s 38 and has played hurt all season but sacrificed for our team for a chance to go out a champion. (Senior catcher) Heidi Moore, the heart and soul of our team, did everything we asked and led by example. (Senior centerfielder) Roo Roberts has roamed the outfield in a cape and stolen hits from all angles and smiled every step of the way. It’s been exciting to watch her work. (Senior leftfielder) Shamya Williams owned her role on the team and came up with some big hits and embraced the process. Every single player on this team, from the dugout to the field, made a difference. Together they set a goal to repeat as 6A state champions. Together they did it.”
“This season has been a dream,” said first-year MRA coach Mary Blair Odom, who played softball at Madison Central High and William Carey. “I am so proud of these girls and the effort they have put in not only this season but this week. My girls have absolutely no quit. They have bought into the championship mindset that I and my group of coaches have set out to create. We are young. We have a lot of young kids that are in the starting lineup that have stepped up and followed the lead of our seniors. Things are looking very promising for MRA softball. Our fans have been amazing. The atmosphere surrounding the games this week has been amazing to be a part of.”
MRA has a strong sophomore class.
“Seinna Smith (daughter of former Hillcrest, Ole Miss and major league outfielder Seth Smith) is a 10th grader, who has an extremely promising future as a pitcher,” Odom said. “She has a great year and an amazing run at a championship. She also finished the year hitting over .400. Krissi Joe Simmons is also a 10th grader who has been a superstar for us at the plate. Her performance on Thursday with three home runs and a walk off grand slam should speak for itself. Stella Barlow is another 10th grader who has come on strong towards the end of year, hitting over .300. She has stepped into any role I have asked her to be in whether that be outfield, first base or third base. Mae Dismuke and Rosemary Wooten are both 10th graders, who hold it down in the outfield. Both have done a stellar job at the plate this year as well. Sunny Hawkins is a ninth grader. She stepped up late in the season with a strong defensive presence, and also hit over .300 on the year.”
“Hats off to a gritty, talented MRA team with a warrior mentality,” Aultman said. “This series was stressful because every MRA player is a tough out, but it was so much fun. The fans on both sides got behind these girls and gave them an incredible championship environment. It truly was electric in all three games, so I thank the students and fans for an unforgettable series. MRA has been a fun team to follow and clearly deserved to play for a championship. Sienna Smith is all heart and a fierce competitor for sure.”
