After starting tournament play with four straight wins in the All A Classic, the Russellville Lady Panthers were eliminated by Hancock County in the state semifinals Sunday in Owensboro.
As previously reported, RHS went 3-0 in their pool play Saturday, defeating Hickman County, Lexington Christian and Green County. Early Sunday morning, the Lady Panthers beat Jackson County 6-1 to advance to the Final Four.
Hancock County won that game 10-0.
Coach Ryan Davenport wrote this on Facebook:
“I'm so proud to call myself their coach. They're great on the field, but they're even better off the field. They're remarkable young ladies, and I'm so glad they're on my side. A lot of people wrote them off this year, but they have been on a mission to prove all the naysayers wrong. I love their determination and fight!
“We had a great time at the state tournament this weekend. It didn't end the way we wanted, but we did advance to the semifinals. We defeated Jackson County in the quarterfinals and lost to Hancock in the semis.
“Even though our season is not over, it's a sad ending for our seniors in the All A State Tournament. In their four years at state, the Lady Panthers have gone 12-0 in pool play, 14-4 overall with two semifinals and two quarterfinals finishes. This weekend was a great experience for both our young and older Panthers.
“The journey is not over, Go Panthers!”
The seniors are Akiah ‘Turtle’ Bell, Reese Croslin, Crissy Higgins, Madison “Matt Matt” Penrod, and Rayleigh ”Ray Ray” Roberts. ,
The Logan Journal will report highlights of the five games later this week.