Lady Cougars Fall in Final Four

Piedmont Academy’s 2014 softball season came to an end Saturday but not before the Lady Cougars reached the GISA Class AA Final Four.

In games played in Dublin, Piedmont fell to Windsor 10-2 and David Emanuel 7-5.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the effort and the season these girls have had,” said coach Daniel Funt. “Their effort and determination were evident when we lost out on Saturday. You could see these girls left it all out on the field and we couldn’t ask for anymore than that.”

While disappointed they didn’t advance, the Lady Cougars still had plenty to be proud of this season, their coach said.

“This group has dealt with a lot of adversity this season,” Funt said. “It never got them down. I feel they learned a lot, especially about belief, and hopefully that will help them in the future. We wish the best for our seniors. They are a special group that I have coached since they were in the sixth grade. I will miss them dearly and they have taught me a lot. Hopefully, I have taught them a few things as well.”

Piedmont Academy’s softball team punched its ticket to the GISA Class AA Final Four by winning a best-of-three series against Citizens Christian last Thursday in Douglas.

In the quarterfinal round, Piedmont won the first game 9-4.

“This was a tight game for several innings, then we kind of broke it open late,” said Funt. “We pitched well and played solid defense. We got several key hits as well. The bottom of the order did a great job getting on base.”

Citizens Christian then took a 6-2 win in the second game to tie alive.

“We struggled on defense a little bit,” Funt said. “Offensively, we hit a lot of pop ups and just didn’t adjust to their pitching.”

In the third and deciding contest, Piedmont fell behind 6-0 before ultimately rallying for an 11-9 victory. It was prove to be a long road back for the Lady Cougars who also trailed 7-2 at one point.

Piedmont scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning to pull within 7-6. The Lady Cougars then scored five in the top of the sixth inning to lead 11-7.

“We then held on for the last two innings,” Funt said. “We settled down defensively and then offensively we got hot.”

The ability to never give up is something which Piedmont’s coach said was impressive in the Thursday series.

“Each team member contributed at some point during the day,” Funt said. “It was a team effort. We wish to thank our fans and the support for being there to support. This team has a great chance. They know what they need to do and now they just have to go out and do it.”

The Lady Cougars finish 2014 at 19-13-1 overall.

“The returning players know as well that this isn’t over,” Funt said. “We still have a lot of work to do to improve and that includes me as well. I thank these players for everything. I have been fortunate to have my first head coaching experience with this group of outstanding young ladies.”