http://www.tricities.com/tri/sports/high..._coeburn/10834/
BY TIM HAYES
Bristol Herald Courier Sports Writer
Published: June 19, 2008
As she prepared for a matchup with James River earlier this month in the quarterfinals of the VHSL Group A state softball tournament, Coeburn High School pitcher Hannah Light was hoping that a certain scenario wouldn't unfold.
"I didn't want to go up there and get embarrassed and get killed,"? Light said.
Once she took the circle, Light made sure that didn't happen.
Light got locked into a pitching duel with James River ace and Virginia Tech recruit Abbie Rexrode, and finished with 16 strikeouts. While Coeburn eventually dropped a 1-0 decision in nine innings, Light certainly earned some respect.
"We hung with them really good,"? Light said. "It felt good going toe-to-toe with her every inning."?
It was that performance and many like it that helped Light earn Bristol Herald Courier Southwest Virginia player of the year honors.
The sophomore was sensational this spring. She compiled a 17-8 record and an ERA under one. Her control was impeccable as she racked up 267 strikeouts and issued just 30 walks.
She also sparked the Coeburn offense from the leadoff spot, hitting .337 with four RBIs, 31 runs scored and 13 stolen bases.
More important to Light, though, was the fact that her team won the Cumberland District regular-season and tournament titles and finished as Region D runner-up.
"We got farther than anybody expected,"? Light said. "Our goal was to win the district and go to regions. We got really excited when we went to state."?
But since the loss to James River, Light hasn't set around sulking about the loss or basking in her postseason accolades. Her travel team has already played in two tournaments.
"We play every other weekend,"? Light said. "I couldn't stand not playing. Even when basketball and stuff is going on, I play on my own and get in shape."?
Coeburn appears to be in good shape next season and beyond as the Blue Knights lose just two starters from the 2008 squad.
"We'll definitely have a bull's eye on our back,"? Light said. "But I can't wait until next year. I'm real excited about that."?
[email protected] | (276) 645-2570
Note: For the complete All-Southwest Virginia team, please read Thursday's edition of the Bristol Herald Courier
Previous Winners
Bristol Herald Courier All-Southwest Virginia Softball Team main winners (since 2001):
2008"?Hannah Light, Coeburn (Player); Tami Counts, Patrick Henry (Coach)
2007"?Cassie Campbell, Virginia High (Player); Jason Delp, Abingdon (Coach)
2006"?Nikita Belcher, John Battle (Player); Travis Turner, Appalachia (Coach)
2005"?Chelsea Osborne, Gate City (Player); Gary Arnold, Northwood (Coach)
2004"?Whitney Davis, Tazewell (Player); Megan Branson, Virginia High (Pitcher); Paul Clendenon, Powell Valley (Coach)
2003"?Autumn Arney, J.J. Kelly (Player); Chelsea Osborne, Gate City (Pitcher); Hugh Godsey, Gate City (Coach)
2002"?Toni Loggans, Gate City (Player); Hugh Godsey, Gate City (Coach)
2001"?Nichole Poore, Patrick Henry (Player); Hugh Godsey, Gate City (Coach)
Bookmarks