LouisvilleCatholicSports.com

Francis, Meyer lead Mercy to first title

The Mercy Academy Jaguars made their fifth trip to the state fast-pitch softball tournament under head coach Josh Bloomer and they finally have brought home the trophy they have coveted for so long with a 7-2 win over the Lone Oak Purple Flash in the Rawlings/KHSAA State Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament.

Bloomer's talented group of players displayed precision in the pitcher's circle, at the plate and with the gloves to earn their program's first state championship. Junior centerfielder Morgan Meyer was named the MVP of the tournament as she was an incredible 14-20 at the plate in Mercy's 5 game run to the title.

Mercy is the first Louisville area team to win a state fast-pitch softball title since Manual won it all in 2000.

Senior pitcher J.J. Francis pitched five innings, allowed two runs and earned the win. Freshman Leigh Ellen Thomas pitched the last two innings and did not allow a run.

The Jaguars touched-up Lone Oak pitcher Jenny Chapman for three runs in the bottom of the first. The 8th grader Chapman gave up a double to Meyer, an RBI single to Morgan Ellington, an RBI triple to freshman Jordan Vorbrink and an RBI single to J.J. Francis for a quick 3-0 Mercy lead that deflated the Purple Flash.

Lone Oak was playing their third game of the day as they had to work their way through the consolation bracket. They defeated Greenwood 2-1 in 8 innings and then took out Boyle County 3-2 to advance to the championship game. Chapman was clearly tiring as she allowed 3 insurance runs in the 6th inning for the Jaguars.

The speedy catalyst Meyer was a disruptive force throughout the tournament. Whether utilizing her speed with bunts and stolen bases, or knocking the ball through and around the infield and outfield, Meyer put her full array of talents on display in leading Mercy to 40 runs in 5 games. She scored 11 of those 40 runs.

The Jaguars pounded 11 hits with Meyer's 3-4 performance leading the way. Ellington and sophomore shortstop Erika Downey had two hits apiece. But it was the effort of so many supporting players like junior Aubrey Meiners and sophomore Lauren Springhetti who made significant, clutch contributions for the Jaguars in several games, most notable being the big plays the pair made in their 10 inning win over Greenwood. It was a true team effort up and down the lineup for Mercy.