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Kayley Bruener only allowed two hits but one was a two-run home run that gave the Fillies the final margin.
The 2021 postseason for the Pendleton County Ladycats took an unexpected and seismic shift following a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Harrison County in the 38th District Championship game on May 31.
Second year head coach Rob Coffey was involved in multiple verbal altercations involving players and a Pendleton County fan after the game concluded that resulted in his resignation. Administrators from Pendleton County High School were made aware of his decision via email later that evening and the team will now move onto the 10th Region Tournament with assistant coach Jessica Verst serving as the interim head coach for the duration of the season.
On the afternoon of June 1, PCHS sent out a press release noting Coffey's departure as well as the decision to turn the Reigns over to Verst.
"Pendleton County High School is excited to welcome Coach Verst into her new role. She brings the leadership, knowledge, character and experience to lead the softball program at PCHS in the interim," the press release stated.
Coach Coffey exits his role after roughly 18 months after being hired to replace the coaching staff of Mary Pettit, and Josh and Katie Chaplin. He said he realizes the timing for this decision is not ideal but he ultimately had to make what he felt was the best decision for he and his family.
"I'll continue to support this Ladycat team. I plan on following their games in the regional tournament and hopefully beyond. I wish the players and the coaching staff nothing but success going forward," he said.
The Ladycats soundly defeated Robertson County 20-1 in three innings on May 30 to set up a third matchup this season with Harrison County for the district title. After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first inning, senior Olivia Verst clubbed just the second home run of her career with Raegan Carlisle on second base to give Pendleton County a 2-1 lead. Harrison County would reclaim the lead with a two-run homer of their own in the fourth inning and held that advantage heading into the bottom of the seventh and final inning.
The Ladycats were able to put runners on first and second base with no outs but could not capitalize and put the tying or winning runs across the plate as Harrison County held on to claim the championship.