SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Jefferson completed a perfect run through state tournament play with a 6-1 win over John Marshall in the Class AAA state championship game. The Cougars (30-5) claimed their first state softball championship in school history.
“It is exciting. I am just so proud of these girls who literally have just worked so hard for it. They are the ones that are part of history. They are the ones doing it, putting in the hard work and getting the job done. I just have the privilege of getting to watch them and coach them,” said Jefferson head coach Desire’ Waters.
Rebecca Munslow went the distance in the circle for the Cougars. She tossed a four-hitter and struck out five batters.
“She was not as warmed up the other day and letting some balls go right down the middle. So we were focused on hitting our spots, especially her outside curve and rise ball.”
The Jefferson Cougars softball team captured their first state title in school history earlier today defeating John Marshall, 6-1. Desire’ Waters, Jefferson Softball HC, talks about her team’s run to @BradHowe07 and @HunterWvu88bgn. #wvprepsb WATCH: https://t.co/yCFQ3nDJuy pic.twitter.com/Z0chP5IAbD
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) May 26, 2022
Jefferson cleanup hitter Kalee Dalton went 4-for-4 and she drove in three runs.
“She has been big all season. That’s why we put her there. She does good on taking the outside pitch outside and turning on the inside pitch. That’s why she is in the four-spot.”
Dalton staked the Cougars to a 1-0 lead in the first when Dalton drove Taylor Presley home with a run-scoring single. The Monarchs answered back in the third inning when Sofia Adkins sent Reese Ward to the plate with an RBI single.
Jefferson answered with single runs in the third and fourth innings and they tacked on three more in the fifth. The Cougars outscored their three opponents in the state tournament by a combined total of 20-3.
“It is so crucial to win the first one. And then the fact that we won our second one, it is just so important to stay in the winners bracket.
“I knew we had a lot of talent and a lot of toughness. When we pulled out a really tough win in Myrtle Beach, I told them that I think they can be state champions. They did it.”
John Marshall’s season ends with a record of 23-10.