Lady Cougars End Season

The Piedmont Academy softball team did not qualify for the postseason in its first year of varsity fast-pitch play.

While there was the natural disappointment that comes with not making the playoffs, coach Michele Collins said the potential for the program is strong. The Lady Cougars competed against several schools this fall which had already been playing fast-pitch for several years.

“We played a lot of close games this year,” Collins said. “If we keep working hard then the future will be a good one for this program.”

The Lady Cougars finished fifth in region play in 2004. The top four teams from each region advance to the postseason which will begin this weekend.

Piedmont was not far from qualifying for the postseason this year.

Several of the Lady Cougars’ region losses were by one run. Many believe several teams from Piedmont’s region will do well at the Class AA state tournament.

“The girls progressed all season,” Collins said. “We just ran out of gas in some games. However, this team can be a contender in the future.”

Piedmont went to playing fast-pitch softball exclusively for the first time in school history this fall. Previously, the Lady Cougars had fielded a junior varsity fast-pitch program.