Lexington Catholic claims 43rd District Softball Tournament Championship

LEXINGTON, Ky (WTVQ) – Lexington Catholic and Lafayette took care of business in their opening round matchups creating a date with destiny in the 43rd District Softball Tournament.

The KHSAA RPI has them as the two best teams in the 11th Region.  Between numerous state rankings, most have them in top 10.  Some even have them as two top-five teams.

On Wednesday, all that mattered was who was going to take home the 43rd District title.

In the top of the seventh inning up 2-1, Lexington Catholic had their backs against the wall.  Their 8th grade pitcher Abby Hammond would deliver though.

The Lady Knights beat the Lady Generals, 2-1.

Lexington Catholic pitcher Abby Hammond is an eighth grader, but the moment of having two on and two outs in the seventh inning was not too much for her.

“I’m just thinking that my defense has got my back no matter what happens,” says Hammond. “I’m trying to place my balls and put them right.”

She also gives credit to Kentucky commit and her catcher Ella Emmert.

“Ella calls pitches great behind the plate so I don’t have to worry about that and my defense has got my back so I’m just trying to keep a clear mind and focus on what the task at hand is.”

As for their head coach Emery Emmert, he says he had complete faith in his team.

“I had faith the entire time,” says Emmert. “The whole day I was feeling good. Just felt like, I talked to the girls about persevering and no matter what happens believing you’re going to win and I just knew that had it. Trusted them 100%.”

ABC 36’s Bryan Kennedy has the highlights and hear from Tournament MVP Hammond and her head coach Emery Emmert.