GRAY DEYOSports Writer

The 2025 Tullahoma softball playoff run and season came to an end on May 9, losing to Lawrence County 7-6.

The Lady Wildcats got off to a hot start in this game, scoring four runs in the first two innings. This came from a two-run home run by senior Madison Goad, an RBI groundout by AC Holloway, and a single by Kylee Holt. This production was able to keep the Wildcats in the game after giving up four runs of their own in the opening inning.

In the top of the fifth, the ‘Cats got their first lead of the game at 6-4. This came from another Goad homerun that went flying over the left field fence. This lead was unfortunately short-lived, as Lawrence catcher Giselle Maldonado hit a bases-clearing shot of her own, launching a three-run home run to center field. This gave Lawrence the lead, and the eventual final score of the contest at 7-6.

A couple of other notable performers in this contest for the Lady Wildcats were Maggie Lynch and Ellie Simpson. Simpson went 2-3, hitting with a double and a single, and Lynch also went 2-3 with two singles.

With the season now over for Tullahoma, they have a lot to be proud of. They gave THS their first 20-win season since the 2015-2016 season. A lot of that is thanks to the seniors who started their THS softball career on a 2-19 team. They built this thing, and now the program can reap its benefits of their hard work for years to come.

“When they arrived in the fall of 2021, we were coming off of a few rough seasons and they completely changed the culture and dynamics of the program positively. Not only did they win a ton of games, they were phenomenal on the practice field, in the weight room & in the community,” said head coach of THS softball Gary Barfield regarding his three seniors.

“I could talk all day about what great players they are but that doesn’t come close to what incredible young ladies they are with great character and work ethic. Madison, Kylee and Aleigha have forever changed the softball program & definitely left it a whole lot better than when they got here. They played at an elite level and mentored the younger players on and off the field while being amazing teammates. They’ll forever be missed!”

Thank you to Madison Goad, Kylee Holt, and Aleigha Raby for all the time and effort you gave to make what this softball program is now.