CHATTANOOGA, TN – No. 19 Walters State made a valiant effort all week to reach the TCCAA/Region VII Softball Championship but came up just short on Thursday afternoon in the finals against No. 10 Chattanooga State, falling 5-0. 

With the loss, the Lady Senators conclude the season with a 43-11 record. It was the most wins for Walters State since 2015-16 when they went an identical 43-11 record. 

"Overall, it was a good season," Walters State coach Larry Sauceman said. "To go 43-11 is pretty nice. They fought all year. It was a great season. We didn't accomplish what we wanted to in the end, but we had a good year." 

With the conclusion of the season, it ends the time at Walters State for six sophomores. Allison Chandler, Maggie Johnson, Jessica Campbell, Kasey Bennett, Jessica Odom and Kaitlyn Harper all played pivotal roles this season.

"It was a good group of sophomores," Sauceman said. "Campbell had a remarkable season. She should be an All-American. She was great all year. We just had a good group of sophomores." 

The Lady Senators had just three hits on Thursday as Campbell, Ava Brooks and Brianna Beech each reached base. Campbell had a double, finishing the season with a batting average well over .550. 

In the circle, Ashley Milligan made the start and finished the year with a 20-2 record. Milligan threw all seven innings, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out six. 

"Milligan pitched her heart out all week," Sauceman said. "She was great once again today. We were really lucky to have her all week. She fought like crazy." 

The Lady Senators had their chances in the game to get on the board. In the first, Campbell led things off with a double and moved to third with two outs. However, a strikeout ended the inning. 

In the second, Maggie Johnson walked and Beech singled with one out in a 0-0 game. Once again, Walters State wasn't able to capitalize. 

Finally, in the fourth with the Lady Senators trailing 3-0, Walters State put two runners on again with a single, fielder's choice and walk. But again, a strikeout ended the threat. 

The Lady Senators went 1-2-3 in the seventh to end the game and season. 

"I'm proud of everything we've done," Sauceman said. "We had a good season, and I am excited to see what we can do next season." 

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics