The Little Rock Baptist Prep Lady Eagles softball team showed on Saturday why they have been ranked number one in class 3A for most, if not all of the season. Prep defeated the Paris Lady Eagles in the 3A state semifinals on Saturday in Ashdown by the score of 2-0. It was a classic pitchers dual between two great teams and pitchers, and in the end, Prep committed fewer mistakes and was able to amass a few more key hits than Paris. And that was the difference between two evenly matched teams. Baptist Prep advances to the state final next weekend to play the Hoxie Lady Mustangs who defeated Smackover in the other semifinal game played on Saturday.
Mistakes and the absence of key, RBI hits haunted Paris all afternoon. Defensive errors, as well as a key base running error at third base late in the game were the differences for Paris in their bid to pull the upset over the top-ranked Baptist Prep team. Paris senior Jadyn Hart went the distance in the circle, just has she has all season. The iconic senior played gallantly in her final game for Paris, but the lack of offense against two great pitchers from Prep spelled defeat for Paris.
Paris had a great season, and went further in the playoffs than a lot of people quietly felt they had the potential to do. The team will return all of their starters in 2022 with the exception of Jaydn Hart. Hart’s graduation will big for the Lady Eagles going into the off season. She could always be counted on for her complete starts, strikeouts, and yes, also as a big hitter in the Lady Eagles lineup. Returning players, such as Karsyn Tencleve and Jadyn Wells will be counted on heavily to lead the team and fill the void left by the graduation of Hart.
We know that the Lady Eagles feel the sting from an emotional loss on Saturday, but they and their fans can be very proud of their performance all season and in the post-season. They are a great group of players who were fun to watch and played every game with great spirit and all out effort. Paris coach Donald Hart has built one of the top five high school softball programs in Arkansas 3A, and Paris fans can be very proud of the Lady Eagles. In fact, many Paris fans and even some high school faculty made the long trip to Ashdown to support the Lady Eagles. I know the team appreciates the support of so many who made the three hour plus trip to southwest Arkansas to cheer them on through the state playoffs. Paris consistently outnumbered their opposition in the number of fans present at the games. In my opinion, these are people who care very deeply about not only the team, but all of the children in the Paris schools, as well. The Paris fans deserve a lot of credit for supporting their teams.
Just my opinion, but anyone who questions the value of high school athletics has to be impressed with the lessons that are learned from being a part of athletics. The Lady Eagles were on an emotional roller coaster all week. It was exhilarating when they won, and it was heart-breaking yesterday when they lost a close game to who I believe will be crowned as the state champion next week. Anyone can enjoy winning, but it is hard to lose and show class in the process. Life will always give us these moments. It is not a matter of if, but when they will happen. The difference in success in life is what we do and how we react when they occur. Our Lady Eagles had another life lesson on Saturday, and they and their coaches are class acts. They will get over the hurt, and they will move on in positive ways that will carry forward in their lives. They should all know, we are so very proud of them.
Additional photos from the Lady Eagles’ semifinal game with Baptist Prep can be found on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. Fans from both schools can copy them at no charge.
It has been my pleasure to bring you Resident Press coverage of the Lady Eagles all season, and I can’t wait for another season to start next year! But for me, it is on to football and volleyball for the 2021 seasons, and I look forward to bringing it to you again this summer and into the new fall school semester.
Congratulations to the Paris Lady Eagles for making the final four of the state playoffs, and for all of the many wonderful memories throughout the season! Great job, ladies!
