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FALCON SOFTBALL TOP STORY
Carlie Whittington named new Lady Falcon softball coach.
Whittington four-year member of the Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lions Softball team
HAMMOND, LA—Saint Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School has selected Carlie Whittington as the head coach for the Lady Falcons Softball team.
Whitting was a 4 year member of the Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lions Softball team. Whittington said “I’m very
blessed & excited to have the opportunity not only to share my love and enthusiasm for the game, but to become a part of the STA family.”
Whittington is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Kinesiology: Fitness and Human Performance and will be graduating in the fall.
Athletic director, Barrett Morgan, said “We are excited to have Carlie on staff and to lead this team. She will bring a college division 1 level of knowledge and skill to our young ladies.”
Five Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons honored on the LSWA All-State Team.
Karlee Kraft and Briley Broussard named to first team.
BATON ROUGE, LA—After another run to the State Semi-finals for the second year in a row, the Lady Falcons collected post season honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers
Association as Karlee Kraft and Briley Broussard named to the Class 2A first team. Leslie Matherne, Jourdan Cheeks, and Macie Aydell received Honorable Mention honors.
Lady Falcons dismiss Riverside 11-1!
Macie Aydell and Karlee Kraft smack dingers—Aydell delivers a three-run blast.
SULFUR, LA—The Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons fell behind early as Riverside collected an unearned run, but the advantage would not hold up as the Lady Falcons broke out the big bats
and scored 11 unanswered. Senior Macie Aydell delivered the big blow smacking a three-run dinger and senior Karlee Kraft added a solo home run for the winners. Kraft pitched a complete game
allowing only one hit.
“We did not look good in the first inning, but the bottomof the order picked us up and everyone got rolling after that,” said Saint Thomas Aquinas head coach Jamie Flanagan.
“We need to clean up some things defensively as we move forward. Defense won our quarterfinal last year and we will need to play well again this year to advance.”
The Lady Falcons are headed for a rematch with Notre Dame, the team that beat them 2-1 in last year’s semi-final. The contest is set for Saturday.
Lady Falcons are headed to the BIG DANCE!
The number three seeded Lady Falcons advanced to the quarterfinal round in the All-State Sugar/Bowl LHSAA Softball Tournament with a 15-0 win over
the St. Katherine Drexel Lady Yellow Jackets.
HAMMOND, LA—The Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons registered a 15-0 victory over the St. Katherine Drexel Lady Yellow Jackets in a Division III regional playoff played at Mike Darouse Field.
The number three seeded Lady Falcons advance to the quarterfinal round in the All-State Sugar/Bowl LHSAA Softball Tournament to be played at Frasch Park in Sulphur, LA.
Saint Thomas will played the winner of the Riverside Academy/McGehee game in the quarterfinals on Friday, April 27. The winner advances to the semifinal and championship games to be played on Saturday, April 28.
Last year, the Lady Falcons reached the Division III semifinals before being ousted by Notre Dame 2-1. Sixth year head coach Jamie Flanagan of the Lady Falcons enters this year's state tournament appearance with their best record at 27-6.
“We are going to Sulphur,” said STA head coach Jamie Flanagan. “That was our goal at the beginning of the season to get there. The last three years we had very tight games to get to the state tournament. Today, we didn’t do a good job of getting hits at the plate. The plays they (St. Katherine) did not make are plays as we go farther into the playoffs teams are going to end up making and it won't be 15-0.”
The Lady Falcons jumped out to a 6-0 first inning lead when Briley Broussard led off with a bunt single and then stole 2nd and 3rd base. Leslie Matherne walked and stole 2nd. Karlee Kraft followed with a inside-the-park three run homer to left field. Later Macie Aydell had a base hit and was followed by a RBI single by Jayden Berthelot. Skyler Cheek and Emily Hoover ended the frame with a pair of RBI singles.
Saint Thomas added six runs in the second when Matherne singled and stole second. Jourdan Cheek delivered a RBI single and later Haleigh Laylie stroked a two-run RBI double to left field.
Skyler Cheek and Hoover had back-to-back RBI singles and a fielding error plated another run to give St. Thomas a 11-0 advantage
Kraft kept St. Katherine off-balanced with her fastball and changeups on the mound. Kraft struck out two and the Lady Falcon defense caught a baserunner stealing for the third out.
The Lady Falcons scored four more runs in the bottom of the frame when Kraft singled and stole second. Jourdan Cheek followed with a RBI single to center field and Aydell smacked a RBI single to left field. Leslie Berthelot ended the frame with a inside-the-Park two-run homer to make it 15-0. The contest ended after three innings because of the mercy rule.
Kraft took the mound win hurling a no-hitter. She had seven strikeouts, one walk after facing nine batters at the plate.
Saint Thomas out hit St. Katherine 12-0 at the plate. Kraft, Cheek and Berthelot were each 2-for-3. Aydell and Skyler Cheek were each 2-for-2. Kraft and Berthelot each had inside-the-park home runs.
“Karlee did a great on the mound shutting them down,” said Flanagan. “That's the key as long as we can keep the games low scoring we will be okay.”
Saint Katherine ends their season with a 0-7 mark entering the postseason for only the second time in school history. First-year head coach Michael Mosely knows its a process to get to the point where Saint Thomas’ program is now. “It was a tough loss,” said Mosley. “The kids performed to their best of their ability. We only had one senior so most of our team is returning. Getting to play in a playoff will add to their experience and we should be a whole lot better for next season.”
Lady Falcons walk-off in impressive fashion in final regular season home game.
Kraft homers to break a 2-2 tie and walk off with a win over Catholic of Pointe Coupee 5-2.
HAMMOND, LA—The Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons finished up their final regular season home game in style as senior Karlee Kraft smacked a three-run, walk-off dinger in the bottom of the seventh to break a 2-2 tie with the visiting Lady Hornets of Catholic of Pointe Coupee. The win improved the Lady Falcons season mark to 25-5.
The Lady Hornets and Lady Falcons traded runs in the second and third innings knotting the score at two runs apiece until the bottom of the seventh inning when freshman Brilee Broussard reached on an error followed by senior Leslie Matherne, who was hit by pitch. Kraft was next and delivered an impressive goodbye in her final regular season contest smacking a three-run dinger to win it 5-2.
Each team managed only six hits with Cheek and senior Macie Aydell each with a pair for Saint Thomas. Kraft pitched a complete game fanning eight and walking four.
Lady Falcons score key District win over rival Doyle.
Ladies use four-run sixth to put away the visiting Lady Tiger.
HAMMOND, LA—In a key District showdown with rival Doyle, the Lady Falcons rallied from one run down early to take a 3-2 lead and then broke open the game with a four-run burst in the sixth to remain undefeated in District play at 4-0 with just two District contests left. Macie Aydell carried the big stick smacking a double in the sixth to score three runs, while Brilee Broussard made the catch of the day robbing Doyle of
a two-run double to retire the side.
Doyle gained an early lead though, scoring a quick run in the first inning to be the first on the board. STA wouldn't score until the third inning when Jourdan Cheek hit in two runners to get the Lady Falcons offense going. Jayden Berthelot then hit in Cheek to put STA up 3-1 at the end of three innings.
Doyle answered the three-run inning with another run to cut the St. Thomas Aquinas lead to one run. The Lady Falcons had a chance to get some insurance runs on the board in the bottom of the fifth when they loaded the bases, but were unable to capitalize on the runners in scoring position.
In the sixth inning, STA loaded the bases again, but this time Macie Aydell doubled to score all three runners -- Kraft, Brilee Broussard and Emily Hoover -- to put the Lady Falcons up 6-2. Jourdan Cheek then got on base to score another runner and push the score to 7-2. Kraft and the STA defense closed out the seventh inning to get the district win.
Kraft pitched a complete game while allowing two runs, one earned run, seven hits, and walking two and striking out six batters on 126 pitches. Broussard led STA with two hits and Kraft and Bertholot each got one hit and walked three times.
Lady Falcons collect three more win!
Road trip yields 42 hits and 39 runs.
HAMMOND, LA—The Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons took their hit parade on the road sweeping a trio of game this weekend running their record to 22-4. The STA Ladies outscored their three opponents 39-3 and racked up a total of 42 hits. The Lady Falcons defeated Livonia 16-0, Westgate 13-3, and Eunice 10-0.
Just win, baby!
Saint Thomas notches 13th in a row with 17-1 win over Salmen.
SLIDELL, LA—WINNING! The Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons notched win number thirteen in a row in impressive fashion smacking Salmen 17-1 in three innings. Kelsey Deakle earned the win striking out two and allowing just one hit. Briley Broussard provided the muscle at the plate with three hits and four RBIs while teammates Macie Aydell and Jayden Berthelot had two hits for the winners.
Lady Falcons win 12th game in a row!
Saint Thomas defeats French Settlement to improve to 3-0 in District play.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Lady Falcons made it an even dozen wins in a row Tuesday with a 10-0 shutout of the visiting French Settlement Lady Lions. The win kept the STA Ladies in first place in District play with a 3-0 mark. Senior Karlee Kraft pitch a complete one-hit shutout striking out six and the Lady Falcon offense racked up 14 hits. Kraft helped herself at the plate going four-for-four with two RBIs.
Macie Aydell and Briley Broussard each added two hits for the winners.
Senior Jourdan Cheek reached on an error and scored in the first to get Saint Thomas started. The Lady Falcons broke the contest open in the third plating five runs on six hits and finished off the Lady Lions with two more in the fourth and fifth to evoke the ten-run rule.
Lady Falcons hand coach Jamie career win number 400!
Saint Thomas defeats E.D. White 8-2.
BRUSLY, LA—The Saint Thomas Lady Falcons not only defeated E.D. White 8-2 to improve to 15-4, but handed head coach Jamie Flanagan his 400 career victory. Kelsey Deakle was impressive on the mound striking out eight going five and two-thirds innings. The STA Ladies racked up ten hits as Macie Aydell and Karlee Kraft each had three hits and combined for six RBIs.
The Lady Falcons made an early statement plating four runs on four hits in the first inning as Leslie Matherne, Karlee Kraft, Macie Aydell, and Skylar Cheek all crossed home plate. Saint Thomas padded their margin in the second and fourth innings building a 7-0. E.D. White rallied with two runs in the fifth, but it was too little too late as the Lady Falcons added one more run in the bottom half to put the game on ice.
Lady Falcons score impressive win over third-ranked Iota.
Kraft fans eight as Ladies rally from three down to get the win.
BRUSLY, LA
—The Lady Falcons took a break from District play to score an impressive win over third-ranked, Class 3A Iota on the road winning 6-3. Senior Karlee Kraft was stellar on the mound pitching a complete game and fanning eight. Kraft helped herself at the plate with a pair of hits and teammates Briley Broussard and Emily Hoover joined the hit parade with two hits each.
The STA Ladies fell behind early as Iota built a 3-0 lead after three inning plating two in the first and one in the third, but Saint Thomas rallied in the fourth scoring five runs to take the lead for good.
Lady Falcons dismiss Lady Bulldogs in five innings 10-0!
Saint Thomas Ladies improve to 2-0 in District.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons made it two in a row in District play winning in impressive fashion Thursday with a 10-0 shutout of the visiting Springfield Lady Bulldogs. Senior Karlee Kraft pitched a one-hit gem fanning three as Saint Thomas ten-run ruled Springfield. Morgan Sibley took the loss for the Lady Bulldogs yielding four hits and issuing three walks.
The two teams exchanged goose eggs for the first two innings but in the bottom of the third, Jourdan Cheek worked the count for a walk and scored on a hit by Jayden Berthelot to break the scoreless tie. Saint Thomas added some separation in the fourth plating three more runs as Skylar Cheek, Emily Hoover, and Briley Broussard all crossed home plate.
The Lady Falcons broke the game open in the fifth and put it away scoring six runs on seven hits and a walk. Cheek and Berthelot each finished with two hits and combined for two RBIs. Leslie Matherne made the most of one hit collecting two RBIs.
Lady Falcons open District play in impressive fashion with 15-6 win over Doyle.
Saint Thomas collects 18 hits.
DOYLE, LA—The Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons took offense to their opening District contest and smacked 18 hits to score an impressive 15-6 over rival Doyle. Macie Aydell, Jayden Berthelot, and Emily Hoover each had three hits and combined for seven RBIs. Karlee Kraft worked all seven innings to get the win fanning five and giving up five hits.
The Lady Tigers of Doyle led 5-4 after three innings of play, but the Lady Falcons broke the game open in the fourth plating five runs on four hits. Doyle managed one in the fifth, but Saint Thomas sealed the deal with two in the sixth and four in the seventh.
Lady Falcons win a pair against parish rivals in Sumner Tourney.
Saint Thomas defeats Hammond 1-0 and Ponchatoula 5-4.
KENTWOOD, LA—The Saint Thomas Lady Falcons extended their current winning streak to five scoring a pair of non-district wins over parish rivals Hammond and Ponchatoula in the annual Jewel Sumner Softball Tournament on Saturday. The STA Ladies prevailed 1-0 in a pitching battle between Hammond’s Jordan Moon and Kelsey Deakle and Karlee Kraft of Saint Thomas with Deakle going six and Karft one. Against Ponchatoula, the Lady Falcons rallied from a 4-2 deficit to win 5-4. The pair of wins improved the Lady Falcons season mark to 11-4 with District play starting this Tuesday as Saint Thomas travels to Doyle.
Moon limited Saint Thomas to just four hits but in the bottom of the sixth senior Jourdan Cheeks led off with a double and took advantage of a pair of throwing errors to plate the only the run of the contest. Kraft pitched the top of the seventh facing only four Hammond batters striking out one before the side was retired. Freshman Briley Broussard led Saint Thomas with a pair of hits.
The first inning between the Lady Wave and the Lady Falcons produced six runs as Saint Thomas batted first with Broussard and Kraft scoring runs, but Ponchatoula answered with four in the bottom half to take a 4-2 advantage after one with Sophia Nuzzolillo, Ryan, Tate Mckinnon, and Julia Oubre scoring runs.
Saint Thomas rallied in the fourth and fifth to tie the contest as Cheeks smacked a dinger in the fourth and Jayden Berthelot reached on a fielder’s choice and scored in the fifth. Chelsealynn Vallery provided the heroics in the final inning for Saint Thomas reaching on a single and scoring on a throwing error.
Lady Falcons put on their rally caps to score a 5-4 win over Franklinton.
Senior Karlee Kraft works complete game fanning eight and freshman Briley Broussard collects three hits and scores a pair of runs.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Ladies made it three in a row Friday with a come from behind win over Franklinton as the Lady Falcons overcame a first inning 4-1 deficit to rally to a 5-4 win. Kraft
shut the door on the Lady Demons for the final six innings and the Saint Thomas bats came alive plating runs in the fourth, fifth and seventh inning to walk off with the win on an RBI single by senior Jayden Berthelot to score Broussard.
Lady Falcons smack Haynes 12-1.
Senior Karlee Kraft fans seven, collects three hits and four RBIs.
HAMMOND—Fresh off plating 18 runs against Pope John Paul II, the Lady Falcons made it an even 30 over two days as they smacked visiting Haynes Academy 12-1.
Visiting Haynes Academy took an early 1-0 lead to lead off the contest, but the Lady Falcons answered in impressive fashion exploding for 12 runs in the second inning and never looked back. In all, the Saint Thomas Ladies collected 13 hits and took advantage of a pair of Yellow Jacket errors.
Emily Hoover and Briley Broussard each had two hits with Hoover collecting three RBIs.
Lady Falcons cash in five hits and 19 walks to earn 18-3 win!
Saint Thomas score victory over Pope John Paul II.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Lady Falcons returned to their winning ways Wednesday in impressive fashion notching an 18-3 win over the visiting Lady Jaguars of Pope John Paul II. The Lady Falcons only needed five hits to get the job done as they benefitted from 19 walks issued by Lady Jaguar pitching.
Kelsey Deakle got the win for Saint Thomas fanning three and issuing three walks. Skylar Cheek made the most of one hit collecting three RBIs, while Karlee Kraft, Macie Aydell, Emily Hoover, and Briley Broussard all had two RBIs.
Saint Thomas started fast plating five in the first inning and broke the game open with seven runs in the third. Pope John Paul II rallied in the fourth with three, but the Lady Falcons answered with five in the bottom half ending the contest on the ten-run rule.
Lady Falcons keep streaking, win fifth in row!
Kelsey Deakle pitches complete game shutout as Saint Thomas defeats Saint Michaels 10-0.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons extended their winning streak to five in a row Thursday as they ten-run ruled the visiting Saint Michael Lady Warriors 10-0. The Saint Thomas Ladies have plated 48 runs during their current streak while giving up just 13.
The two teams traded goose eggs for the first two innings but in the bottom of the third senior Haleigh Laylle sparked a Lady Falcons rally with a two RBI double as Saint Thomas plated four to take the early advantage. The Lady Falcons plated four more in the fourth and add two in the fifth to close out the Lady Warriors. Kelsey Deakle pitched a complete game for Saint Thomas fanning three and giving up just two hits.
The Lady Falcons had eight hits and Deakle helper her cause on the mound with a pair of singles while Skylar Cheek also had two hits for the winners.
Lady Falcons rally from six down to earn 7-6 victory over parish rival Ponchatoula.
Senior Haleigh Laylle paces comeback with four hits and two RBIs and scoring two runs.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons had to put on their rally caps Saturday to get a 7-6 win over parish rival Ponchatoula. The Lady Green Wave jumped out to a 4-0 lead after one inning and led 6-0 after four, but the Lady Falcons collected seven unanswered runs the rest of the way to earn the win.
Senior ace Karlie Kraft gave up nine hits through the first four innings, but settled in to shutout the Lady Wave for the final four innings of play. After finally getting on the board with one in the fourth on two hits, the Saint Thomas Ladies cashed in four hits and a pair of walks in the fifth to plate three runs and collected two more in the sixth on a hit and two walks to knot the score at six.
The Lady Wave got a runner to third and the Lady Falcons got one to second in the seventh inning, but neither team could get a runner home so the contest went to an extra inning. Kraft gave up one walk in the top of the eighth but forced three ground outs to retire Ponchatoula. Senior Jourdan Cheek led off in the bottom half for Saint Thomas reaching on a single followed by a pair of walks by Kraft and senior Jayden Berthelot to advance Cheek to third and senior Haleigh Laylle singled to score Cheek.
Saint Thomas will host Maurepas Monday.
Lady Falcons even season mark with 6-3 win over rival Albany.
Saint Thomas collects 14 hits and senior ace Karlee Kraft collects her first win.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons overcame an 0-3 deficit with a five run rally in the third inning to spark a 6-3 win over rival Albany to improve their early season mark to 1-1. Senior Karlee Kraft pitched a complete game fanning six in earning the win. Kraft led the Lady Falcons hit parade with three as Saint Thomas collected 14 hits.
Trailing 0-3 going into the bottom of the third, the Lady Falcons reeled of seven hits to plate five runs and take the lead for good. Senior Jourdan Cheek, freshman Skykar Cheek, Kraft, senior Jayden Berthelot, and junior Chelsea Vallery all scored runs.
In total, Kraft and senior Haleigh Laylle each had two RBIs while Jourdan Cheek, Skylar Cheek, and senior Macie Aydell each had two hits.
Lady Falcons sweep a pair of game in Jamboree!
Freshman Emily Hoover smacks a dinger against Sumner and seniors Jourdan Cheek and Karlee Kraft delivered back-to-back home runs against Lakeshore.
ALBANY, LA—The Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons swept a pair of contests in impressive fashion Saturday notching shutouts in both games. The Lady Falcons defeated Sumner 9-0 and Lakeshore 3-0.
Senior Karlee Kraft pitched a one-hitter to blank the Cowgirls and freshman Kelsey Deakle pitched a shutout of the Lady Titans. Freshman Emily Hoover delivered a dinger against Sumner and seniors Jourdan Cheek and Karlee Kraft smacked dingers against Lakeshore.
Lady Falcons place a dozen on the 2017 All-District Team!
Junior ace Karlee Kraft continues her reign as MVP and Jamie Flanagan named Coach of the Year.
HAMMOND, LA—The Lady Falcons completed another successful campaign with a trip to the LHSAA semi-finals before seeing their season end and with success comes rewards as Saint Thomas
claimed a dozen spots on the 2017 District 9-2A All-District Team. Junior ace Karlee Kraft continues her reign as MVP and Jamie Flanagan named Coach of he Year.
The Lady Falcons earned six first team selections along with Kraft's top honors. Camryn Flanagan, Haleigh Laylle, Jayden Berthelot, Jourdan Cheek, Fallon Plaisance, and Leslie Matherne
all collected first team honors. Second team honors went to Britney Ethridge, Macie Aydell, Brooke Laborde, and Sarah Agnello as the Lady Falcons dominated the post season awards with 11 total selections.
Lady Falcons advance to LHSAA Division III State Semi-finals with 3-1 win over Holy Savior Menard!
Saint Thomas set to play Notre Dame at 2:00 p.m. today.
SULPHUR, LA—The Lady Falcons continued their winning ways Friday upsetting 3rd-seeded Holy Savior Menard to advance to the LHSAA Division III Semi-finals against 2nd-seeded Notre Dame set for today at 2:00 p.m. at Frasch Park. Notre Dame defeated Catholic NI 8-0 to advance.
Saint Thomas played solid defense behind a complete game pitching performance by junior Karlee Kraft who worked seven innings giving up one run, four hits and walking two. Senior Camryn Flanagan and junior Leslie Matherne each had one hit and Brooke Laborde had an RBI for the winners.
Lady Falcons punch ticket to Sulphur with 4-0 win over Ouachita Christian!
Kraft smacks a solo dinger and pitches seven shutout innings.
HAMMOND—The number sixth-seeded Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcon Softball team clinched a quarterfinal appearance in the State Tournament after capturing a 4-0 shutout win over the eleventh-seeded Ouachita Christian Lady Eagles in a Division III select regional playoff.
Saint Thomas Aquinas advanced to the quarterfinal round of the State Tournament in Sulphur for the first time since the 2015 season. The Lady Falcons will face third-seeded Holy Savoir Menard on Friday, April 28 at 12 noon on Field 18 at Frasch Park in Sulphur. The winner advances to play in the semifinals on Saturday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. on the same field. The semifinal winner advances to play in the championship final on Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. on Field 16.
Against Ouachita, the Lady Falcons were led by junior Karlee Kraft who kept the Lady Eagles from scoring runs and also pounded a solo home run late in the game to seal the win.
“I knew going in this was going to be a war,” said STA coach Jamie Flanagan. “I thought they (Ouachita) were way under-seeded, because they didn't lose to any slouches. It was a great test for us in the kind of game you are going to see in Sulphur. Teams are going try to manufacture runs like we did here and hopefully this will help us out going into next week.”
Saint Thomas jumped out to a 2-0 first inning lead when senior Camyrn Flanagan led off with a base hit and then stole second base. Flanagan would eventually score on a Lady Eagle throwing error. Later Kraft drew a walk and stole second base. A bunt single by junior Haleigh Laylle plated Kraft from third base.
Ouachita Christian threatened in the third getting a base hit and a hit batsman put runners on second and third with two outs, but Kraft got the next batter to strikeout to end the frame. Kraft got in another jam with runners on second and third with no outs in the fifth inning. One Lady Eagle base runner would be tagged out at home and then Kraft got the next two to pop up and ground-out to end the inning. Neither team would score in the next three innings of play.
Saint Thomas extended its lead in the sixth when Kraft stroked a solo homer over the left field wall and then Jayden Berthelot hit a bunt single to drive in a run to make it 4-0.
Ouachita Christian could not answer in the top of the seventh as Kraft struck out one and then the next batter grounded-out. A pop up caught by shortstop Haleigh Laylle sealed the win.
“We’ve been pounding the ball the last couple of games,” added Flanagan. Our bunting game hasn’t been that good, but we got two suicide squeezes to produce two runs.”
Kraft took the mound win striking out six and walked one after giving up five hits. Each team collected five hits at the plate. Laylle and junior Jordan Cheek each went 1-for-3. Flanagan, Kraft and senior Britney Ethridge were each 1-for-2.
The quick turnaround with three games played in two days at the state tourney is always a challenge. “We have one game on Friday and if you happen to win there’s two more on Saturday," Flanagan said. “It's kind of a iron man softball at this point with three games in less than a 24-hour period. So we got to roll. Karlee will work her change up in the circle and make plays defensively. If we don’t make errors and manufacture runs like we did today, it can take you a long way.”
Lady Falcons edge top-ranked Catholic of Pointe Coupee 3-2!
Win number twenty is an impressive one as Saint Thomas smacks THREE solo home runs.
NEW ROADS, LA—Having completed District play earlier in the week, the Lady Falcons took their show on the road Friday venturing into a Hornets Nest as they took on the 1A top-ranked Catholic of Pointe Coupee Lady Hornets (15-5) and got a 3-2 win powered by three solo homers. The victory was number twenty on the season improving the Lady Falcons mark to 20-10.
Leslie Matherne carried the big stick for Saint Thomas belting two dingers and Macie Aydell delivered a third four-bagger to account for all the Lady Falcon scoring that was enough as Karlee Kraft pitched a complete game fanning five, giving up two runs and three hits. In total, Saint Thomas collected eight hits as Kraft helped herself with two hits.
Matherne got Saint Thomas an early lead with a solo shot in the first inning and won it in the sixth with her second home run.
The Lady Falcons will get the weekend off and return to action next week for a pair of home games as they host Parkview and finish the regular season hosting Pearl River on Senior Night.
Ladies get even with Doyle Tigers to tie for first place in District.
Pick off play at third in the top of the seventh paces Saint Thomas victory over District rival Doyle.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons suffered 4-3 loss to the Doyle Lady Tigers in an 11 inning game back in March and needed a win in their second meeting to stay on pace for a chance to earn a tie for the District Championship with one District contest left. They got it outlasting the Lady Tigers to score a 7-6 win and move into a tie in the top spot in District.
“We made a couple mistakes that let them back in the ballgame but we got the big defensive play at the end with the pickoff at third to get them out of scoring position,” said Saint Thomas Aquinas head softball coach Jamie Flanagan.
The Lady Falcons jumped to an early 3-0 lead as Haleigh Laylle
scored in the second inning and Karlee Kraft singled and Jourdan Cheek reached on an error in the third to plate two more. All three ladies would finish with two hits each.
Saint Thomas extended their advantage in the fourth plating two more run as Macie Aydell and Jayden Berthelot crossed home plate. However, the Lady Tigers rallied to take the lead scoring three runs in the fifth and sixth innings. The Lady Falcons answered in the bottom of the sixth plating two to take a 7-6 lead before Fallon Plaisance and Haleigh Laylle combined for a key pickoff of an Doyle base-runner at third with one out that sealed the Lady Tigers fate.
Flanagan tops in nation in stolen bases and Kraft third in the nation in home runs this week.
Senior Camryn Flanagan currently leads the nation in stolen bases with 42, while junior Karlee Kraft is ranked third on MaxPreps home run list.
HAMMOND—Saint Thomas senior Camryn Flanagan is currently leading the nation in stolen bases with 42 ahead of Michelle Islas of Los Amigos, CA with 41 and Madison Hanson of Prattville, AL with 38. Junior Karlee Kraft is known for her excellence as a pitcher, but she also carries a big stick at the plate. Kraft is currently third in the national home run race with 13 behind Madison Hirsch of Colony, TX with 14 and Stacia Seeton of Mesa, AZ with 16.
Lady Falcons win two in STA Tourney.
Saint Thomas Ladies added a pair of wins in their own tourney this past weekend defeating Albany and Dutchtown, while falling to Ponchatoula.
HAMMOND—Saint Thomas took a break from District play this past weekend and hosted a tournament played at Chappapeela Sports Park. The Lady Falcons defeated area rival Albany 2-0 on Friday and split a pair on Saturday defeating Dutchtown 4-1 while dropping a contest to Ponchatoula 8-4. Saint Thomas will return to league play Tuesday when they host Doyle. The Lady Falcons will be looking to avenge an earlier loss to the Lady Tigers as Doyle won their first meeting 4-3 in 12 innings.
Albany 0, Saint Thomas 2
The Lady Falcons needed just two first inning runs to defeat rival Albany as senior Cam Flanagan reached base on a lead-off single and junior Karlee Kraft launched four-bagger over the fence.
Saint Thomas finished with seven hits, while Kraft limited the Lady Hornets to just two to earn the win.
Dutchtown 1, Saint Thomas 4
Haleigh Laylle and Jourdan Cheek collected two hits apiece, while
Jayden Berthelot launched a solo dinger to pace a nine-hit game for the Lady Falcon offense as Saint Thomas scored a run in the first, third, fifth and sixth innings to secure a 4-1 victory.
Saint Thomas 4, Ponchatoula 8
Despite a pair of home runs by junior Karlee Kraft and s 4-3 lead heading into the final inning, the Lady Wave of Ponchatoula rallied for five run in the top of the seventh to earn an 8-4 over the Lady Falcons.
Ladies put on an offense show collecting 17 runs ...
Saint Thomas Ladies improve to 3-1 in District play with a 17-2 victory over rival Springfield.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Lady Falcons put on an offensive show Tuesday as they scored 17 runs on 15 hits to roll past District rival Springfield. Junior Karlee Kraft pitched a complete game striking out three and giving up two earned runs while pacing Saint Thomas at the plate with three hits including a two-run four-bagger and six RBIs.
Haleigh Laylle collected three hits and four RBIs, while Jayden Berthelot
Had three hits and one RBI and Camryn Flanagan added two hits and scored twice. Eight different Lady Falcons had at least one hit.
District wars heat up ...
Saint Thomas Ladies play a pair of District contests this week.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons fresh off a pair of wins defeating Maurepas 7-4 and Haynes Academy 4-3 will play two District games this week hosting Springfield on Tuesday
and traveling to French Settlement on Thursday.
... and the BEATdown goes on ....
Saint Thomas Ladies continue to handout a beating to District foes ... Lady Falcons 14, French Settlement 0!
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons collected 18 hits as five Saint Thomas Ladies had multiple hits en route to a 14-0 beat down of the French Settlement Lady Lions. Junior Karlee Kraft pitched five scoreless innings to earn the win fanning seven, walking one, and scattering one hit.
Camryn Flanagan, Fallon Plaisance, and Kraft all had three hits combining for seven RBIs with Plaisance accounting for five of them. Macie Aydell, Jourdan Cheek, and Haleigh Laylle all added a pair of hits for the winners.
Lady Falcons extend winning streak!
Saint Thomas Ladies open District play with 12-0 romp over Springfield.
SPRINGFIELD—The Lady Falcons extended their winning streak to four Tuesday as they opened District play with an impressive 12-0 romp over rival Springfield. The Saint Thomas Ladies collected 11 hits and junior Karlee Kraft fanned six Lady Bulldogs en route to earning a one-hit shutout.
The Lady Falcons started fast taking a 2-0 advantage after one inning and built a 7-0 lead after four. Saint Thomas invoked the 10-run rule in the fifth plating five more runs. Kraft was perfect at the plate going 3-for-3 and colleting seven RBIs. Senior Camryn Flanagan added a pair of hits, an RBI, and scored three runs, while Leslie Matherne, Macie Aydell, Jourdan Cheek, Haleigh Laylle, Fallon Plaisance, and Britney Ethridge all had one hit.
Lady Falcons collect three wins in dominant performance in Franklinton Tourney.
Ladies score wins over Albany, Franklinton and Port Allen.
FRANKLINTON—The Saint Thomas Aquinas Lady Falcons, who have been on the road for all but two game so far this season, collected three more road wins with a dominant performance in the Jewel Sumner Tournament outscoring their opponents 28-4 and improved their season mark to 9-6.
Albany 4, Lady Falcons 7
Junior Karlee Kraft out-dueled the Albany pitching combo of Britany Turner and Annalea Giamalva as Saint Thomas Aquinas rallied from an early 2-1 deficit to score a 7-4 win in the Lady Falcons first game of the Jewel Sumner Tournament. Kraft fanned eight and walked only one surrendering three earned runs.
Albany led 2-1 after three innings, but Saint Thomas stormed back with two runs in the fifth and four in the sixth to take a commanding 7-24 lead into the final inning. Camryn Flanagan, Jayden Berthelot, and Kraft all had two hits. Flanagan paced the offense smacking a double, notching an RBI and scoring three times. Macie Aydell made the most of one hit collecting an RBI.
Franklinton 0, Lady Falcons 5
Senior Camryn Flanagan delivered a complete game shutout to hand Franklinton a 5-0 setback as the Lady Falcons built a 5-0 lead after three innings and denied any hope of a rally by the Lady Demons.
Saint Thomas totaled six hits as five different Lady Falcons reached home plate. Haleigh Laylle led with one hit and three RBIs and a run scored, while Macie Aydell singled and scored, Jayden Berthelot singled and scored, and Jourdan Cheek and Brooke Laborde singled.
Port Allen 0, Lady Falcons 15
Perhaps the Lady Falcons needed a word more powerful than “dominant” to describe their four innings 15-0 shutout of the Port Allen Lady Pelicans. Junior Karlee Kraft worked a complete game fanning 10 and the Saint Thomas Aquinas offense pounded out nine hits as Kraft hit a dinger and collected six RBIs. Senior Camryn Flanagan had three hits and scored three times, Macie Aydell, and Jourdan Cheek each added two hits for the winners.
Lady Falcons dedicate field and collect and opening day 9-2 win over Northshore.
Softball field named in honor of Mike Darouse.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons made the most of their Field Dedication Day as they hosted Northshore handing the Lady Panthers a 9-2 setback. In ceremonies prior to the contest the softball field was named in honor of Mike Darouse.
Saint Thomas and the Lady Panthers engaged in a pitching duel through the first two innings as Lady Falcon Karlee Kraft battled Northshore’s Jordan Vivian to a scoreless draw. However, in the third inning the Lady Falcons broke the tie in impressive fashion plating five runs. Catcher Fallon Plaisance delivered the fatal blow to the Lady Panthers clearing the bases with a triple to notch three RBIs.
In all, the Lady Falcons finished with ten hits as Kraft, Camryn Flanagan, and Macie Aydell each a two hits. Kraft worked all seven innings fanning three, issuing two walks and giving up a pair of runs.
Kraft and Flanagan collect post season honors.
Sophomore Karlee Kraft an junior Camryn Flanagan named to LSWA All-State Softball Team.
HAMMOND—After finishing another successful season as a LHSAA Regional finalist, the Saint Thomas Lady Falcons collected some post season awards
from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association as sophomore Karlee Kraft (.505, 9 home runs, 46 RBIs) earned first team selection for the second year in a row on the Class 2A squad and
junior Camryn Flanagan received Honorable Mention selection.
Lady Falcons use a Fallon Plaisance dinger to walk off with first round playoff win.
Lady Falcons defeat Haynes Academy 12-2!
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Lady Falcons finished off their first round playoff in impressive fashion as Fallon Plaisance smacked a two-run walk off dinger to give the Lady Falcons a 12-2 five inning rule win over visiting Haynes Academy.
“I thought we started off a little sluggish in the field and at the plate, but the girls picked up on defense and started seeing pitches better as the game went on,” said Saint Thomas head coach Jamie Flanagan. “Karlee (Kraft) gave us some much needed energy with a solo home run early and Fallon (Plaisance) did a great job finishing it with a two-out, two run homer.”
The Lady Falcons plated three runs in the bottom of the first and the two teams traded runs in the second to give Saint Thomas a 4-1 advantage after two. Haynes Academy added a run to close the gap in the top of the fourth but that would be a close as the Lady Jackets would get as the Lady Falcons exploded for eight unanswered runs to earn a ten-run rule victory.
Five Lady Falcons notched a pair of hits as Kraft and Plaisance had dingers and combined for four RBIs, and Jourdan Cheek, Haleigh Laylle, and Leslie Matherne each had two hits.
Kraft pitched a complete game on the bump fanning seven Lady Jackets and giving up four hits and two runs.
The Lady Falcons will hit the road for round two of the playoffs to take on 7th-seeded Kinder who defeated 26th-seeded Rayville 5-0.
Lady Falcons to host first round playoff game.
Lady Falcons playoff journey begins Tuesday.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Lady Falcons will host Haynes Academy (11-8) Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. as the Class 2A LHSAA State Softball playoffs begin. The Lady Falcons finished ranked 10th
in the Power Rankings while Haynes Academy is ranked 23rd. The winner of Tuesday's game will play the winner of the contest between 7th-ranked Kinder (20-2) and 26th-ranked Rayville (9-14) in the Regional Round.
Lady Falcons post 2-1 mark in weekend tourney.
Saint Thomas collects win over a pair of Class 4A teams as they hosted a tournament on Friday and Saturday.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Lady Falcons posted a 2-1 record in their weekend tournament hosted at Saint Thomas losing a pitching duel to 5A Dutchtown and defeating 4A Franklinton 11-0 and 4A Lakeshore 9-4.
LADY FALCONS 9, Lakeshore 4
The Lady Falcons spotted Lakeshore a trio of runs with a pair of errors through the first three innings of play but sophomore Karlee Kraft settled in at the bump and took control limiting Lakeshore to just one hit over the next four innings and the Saint Thomas bats came alive as the Lady Falcons outgunned the Lady Titans 9-1 to score a 9-4 win. Kraft finished the game with eight strikeouts and three walks.
Kraft helped herself at the circle smacking a three-run dinger finishing her day’s work with three hits and scoring two runs. Four Lady Falcons collected two hits including Leslie Matherne, Jayden Berthelot, Jourdan Cheek, and Fallon Plaisance.
LADY FALCONS 11, Franklinton 0
Junior Camryn Flanagan pitched a gem fanning nine Lady Demons while walking just one and helped herself at the plate with a home run as the Lady Falcons cruised to an 11-0 spanking of Franklinton.
Saint Thomas scored in four of the five innings played racking up 13 hits and taking advantage of three Franklinton errors. The Lady Falcons managed just one run in the first and were shutout in the second inning, but plated five runs over the final two innings to have the Lady Demons the ten-run rule loss.
Flanagan, Leslie Matherne, Britney Ethridge, and Jordan Tantillo all notched two RBIs, while Flanagan, Plaisance, and Ethridge all scored twice.
LADY FALCONS 1, Dutchtown 2
Sophomore Karlee Kraft waged a pitching duel with Dutchtown senior Ali McCoy as the Lady Griffins edged Saint Thomas 2-1 to open tournament play on Saturday. McCoy struck out 17, walked five and gave up a pair of hits to earn the win, while Kraft fanned six and issued four walks and gave up four hits.
Haleigh Laylle provided the only run for the Lady Falcons with an RBI single scoring Kraft.
Lady Falcons to host Softball Tourney April 1 and 2—Friday and Saturday.
Lady Falcons open tourney play against Dutchtown Lady Griffins at 3:30 p.m. Friday.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons will host a two-day tournament this Friday and Saturday featuring five visiting teams including Dutchtown, Lakeshore, Brusly, Ponchatoula, and Franklinton. Saint
Thomas (20-4) will start off play on Friday at 3:30 p.m. when they take on the Lady Griffins of Dutchtown (10-10). Lakeshore (11-5) and Brusly (16-9) will follow at 5:15 and the nightcap game will feature Ponchatoula (7-10-1) against Franklinton (4-12).
Saturday’s slate includes five contests with Saint Thomas playing Franklinton at 9:00 a.m. followed by Brusly vs. Dutchtown at 10:45 a.m., Ponchatoula vs. Lakeshore at 12:30 p.m., Franklinton vs. Dutchtown
at 2:15 p.m., Ponchatoula vs. Brusly at 4:00 p.m. and Saint Thomas vs. Lakeshore at 5:45 p.m.
Brusly enter the tournament ranked 5th in the Class 3A Power Rankings, while Lakeshore is ranked 13th in Class 4A. Dutchtown is ranked 29th in Class 5A and the Lady Falcons are ranked 11th in
Class 2A.
Lady Falcons dismiss Springfield in four innings 15-0!
Karlee Kraft pitches complete game shutout fanning seven.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons remained unbeaten in District play Tuesday as they handed rival Springfield their walking papers after just four innings scoring a 15-run rule win. The victory improved the Saint Thomas season mark to 19-4 and 4-0 in District.
The Lady Falcons pounded out 14 hits as junior leadoff Camryn Flanagan led the way with four hits scoring three runs. Sophomore Haleigh Laylle added three hits, and RBI and scored two runs, while Kraft helped herself with a pair of hits including a dinger and an RBI.
Lady Falcons romp over Lakeshore 9-1!
Karlee Kraft pitches second complete game in a row fanning six.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons continued streaking Wednesday as they ran their win streak to 14 games with 9-1 romp over Lakeshore. Sophomore Karlee Kraft pitched her second complete game victory in as many days striking out six Lakeshore batters, walking one, and surrendering six hits. Five different Lady Falcons had two hits to pace the Saint Thomas hit parade that totaled a dozen hits.
Saint Thomas plated runs in the first three innings to take command as Camryn Flanagan, Leslie Matherne, Karlee Kraft, Haleigh Laylle, and Jourdan Cheek all had two hits with Cheek and Kraft each notching a pair of RBIs.
The Lady Falcons will return to action next Tuesday as they resume District play hosting Springfield.
Lady Falcons remain unbeated in District play with 10-4 win over Doyle!
Karlee Kraft goes seven to earn the victory. GAME GALLERY.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Ladies used a pair of five-run bursts to score a key District 9-2A win over the visiting Lady Tigers of Doyle in action Tuesday. The Lady Falcons trailed early by one run through two innings and faced a two-out with no one on base situation in the bottom of the third and exploded for five runs. The Lady Tigers roared back and cut the Saint Thomas lead to 5-4 after five and a half, but again the Lady Falcons had an answer plating five runs to regain a solid lead.
Five Lady Falcons recorded a pair of hits to fuel the two five-run outbursts. Jayden Berthelot and Haleigh Laylle each had a pair of singles and three RBIs, while Leslie Matherne, Jourdan Cheek, and Jordan Tantillo all hit twice from the circle.
Kraft pitched a complete game fanning five and not issuing any walks. Doyle’s Olivia Welda was credited with the loss going six striking out two and giving up 12 hits and 10 runs.
Lady Falcons extend win streak to 12 games!
The Saint Thomas Ladies add five more wins to season total.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcon padded their win column last week adding five more wins to run their record to 16-4 and extending their current victory streak to 12 dating back to a win over John Curtis.
The Saint Thomas Ladies posted 56 runs last week through Monday while allowing just 17 as they scored wins over Springfield, French Settlement, E.D. White, Port Allen, Breaux Bridge, and Hammond Magnet. The Lady Lions of French Settlement and Hammond Lady Tors proved to be the toughest opponents as Saint Thomas scored 8-7 and 2-1 wins respectively over these two area foes. Two of the wins were District 9-2A victories giving the Lady Falcons a perfect 2-0 start to league play.
FALCONS 10, E.D. White 4
The Lady Falcons made the most of eight hits collecting 10 runs as Jordan Tantillo and Karlee Kraft each had two RBIs on one hit, while Jayden Berthelot led the team with three hits and one RBI. Saint Thomas trailed by one after the first inning but responded with four runs in the second and never looked back.
Kraft went all seven to earn the win fanning three giving up four hits and four runs and walking four.
FALCONS 16, Breaux Bridge 0
It was a half day at the office for the Lady Falcons as they dismissed Breaux Bridge 16-0 in three innings. Saint Thomas racked up 10 hits and 14 RBIs including a three-run dinger by Fallon Plaisance. Jayden Berthelot added a hit and four RBIs for the winners.
Karlee Kraft was dominate on the bump pitching a no-hit shutout fanning four and issuing two walks.
FALCONS 12, Port Allen 2
Camryn Flanagan tied the hands of Port Allen batters all game fanning ten Lady Pelicans, while the Saint Thomas offense exploded for five runs in the first to all but put away Port Allen early.
A trio of Lady Falcons paced Saint Thomas at the circle as Britney Ethridge, Leslie Matherne, and Jayden Berthelot all had two hits and combined for six RBIs with Matherne leading the team with three.
Lady Falcons get OFFENSIVE and win a pair—run record to 10-4!
The Saint Thomas Ladies have been busy at the plate the last two days collecting 32 hits as they scored wins over Sumner and Franklinton.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons followed up their upset win over John Curtis on Monday with a pair of impressive road wins as they collected 32 hits and scored 34 runs to defeat Sumner 18-8 and Franklinton 16-0. The trio of wins this week improved the Lady Falcons season mark to 10-4.
LADY FALCONS 18, Sumner 8
Sophomore leadoff hitter Camryn Flanagan set the table early and often for Saint Thomas as she went 4-for-5 with three RBIs and four runs scored, while junior Britney Ethridge delivered the big blow of the day smacking a dinger for a grand slam. The Lady Falcons fell behind 2-1 to the Cowgirls after one inning, but broke open in the third scoring six run and never trailed again.
Flanagan and sophomore Karlee Kraft combined on the mound to earn the win with Flanagan working two and a third and Kraft three and two-thirds. Flanagan fanned three and gave up five runs, while Kraft struck out five and gave up three runs.
LADY FALCONS 16, Franklinton 0
Sophomores Camryn Flanagan and Jourdan Cheek and freshman Madison Plaisance each had three hits as Flanagan and Cheek each racked up four RBIs and Plaisance one to pace and Lady Falcon shutout of the Franklinton Lady Demons.
The Lady Falcons needed just three innings to send the Lady Demons home opening the first with seven runs. Flanagan pitched a complete game fanning three and scattering one hit.
Lady Falcons stun 5A John Curtis 6-4!
Kraft pitches complete game and Berthelot delivers a two-run dinger.
HAMMOND—Fresh off a 12-2 loss just four days ago to powerhouse 5A John Curtis, the Lady Falcons returned the favor Monday night scoring a 6-4 win behind a complete game pitching performance by sophomore Karlee Kraft and a two-run dinger by sophomore Jayden Berthelot.
“Really proud of the girls. They played hard and took control early and finished against a very good John Curtis team,” said Saint Thomas head coach Jamie Flanagan.
The Lady Falcons made an early statement jumping out to a 3-0 lead after one inning of play powered by a two-run shot by sophomore Jayden Berthelot. In all the Saint Thomas Ladies collected seven hits as Kraft helped herself with three hits and three RBIs. The win improved the Lady Falcons season mark to 8-4.
Ladies dismiss Pine Lady Raiders in three.
Flanagan steller on the mound in three.
Kraft delivers a dinger.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons made the most of nine hits collecting 14 RBIs as Karlee Kraft led with three hits including a home run and five RBIs followed by Britney Ethridge and Jourdan Cheek who each had two hits and two RBIs.
Camryn Flanagan worked three innings for the win earning a no-hitter with six strikeouts and no walks.
Ladies win fifth in a row with 14-8 win over Northshore!
Lady notch 13 hits as Camryn Flanagan led with three hits, one RBI, and three runs scored.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons continued their winning ways Monday collecting their fifth victory in a row as they defeated visiting Northshore 14-8 to run the season record to 5-1.
Sophomore Karlie Kraft worked four and a two-thirds innings to get the win fanning four, giving up five hits, four runs and two walks. Flanagan pitched the final two innings giving up four hits and four runs and striking out one.
Kraft helped her own cause notching two hits and one RBI, Leslie Matherne had two hits and two RBIs, while Jayden Berthelot had two hits and one RBI.
Ladies off to fast start rolling up a 4-1 mark!
Freshman collects more post-season honors.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons, a LHSAA Class 2A Semi-Finalist last season, are off to a fast start this season winning four out of their first five contests. The Saint Thomas Ladies have outscored their opponents 47-17 in the four wins.
Sophomore Karlee Kraft leads the hit parade for the Lady Falcons notching nine hits and collecting 10 RBIs. Junior Britney Ethridge and sophomore Haleigh Laylle each have seven hits with Ethridge notching seven RBIs and Laylle two. Sophomore Jayden Berthelot, junior Mallory Baker, and sophomore Jourdan Cheek all have six hits so far this season with Berthelot adding six RBIs and Cheek seven. Senior Jordan Tantillo and sophomore Camryn Flanagan has collected five hits, while Madison Plaisance has two.
Sophomores Camryn Flanagan and Karlie Kraft have led the way on the mound with Flanagan posting two wins, while Kraft has two wins and one loss.
Kraft earns IMPACT Player from MaxPreps.
Freshman collects more post-season honors.
HAMMOND—Karlee Kraft of St. Thomas Aquinas was an impact performer as a freshman for the Lady Falcons on the softball diamond. Her efforts earned her national recognition.
MaxPreps has named her as a Freshman All-American utility player for 2015.
Kraft had a major impact in leading Aquinas to a deep playoff run after she won 22 games and drove in 58 runs.
Kraft was also named the District 7-2A MVP and Class 2A All-State after she led the Lady Falcons with 63 hits including six home runs. She was also the STA ace, recording 122 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.93.
Kraft and Flanagan earn All-State honors.
Youth is served as freshman Karlee Kraft was selected to the First Team LSWA Class 2A Squad, and sophomore Camryn Flanagan earned Honorable Mention.
HAMMOND—The Lady Falcons made their mark on Class 2A softball this past season rolling up 26 wins and advancing to the LHSAA Quarterfinals. With team success
comes individual honors as freshman Karlee Kraft was selected to the First Team LSWA Class 2A Squad and sophomore Camryn Flanagan earned Honorable Mention.
Kraft, who was also named the District 7-2A MVP, led the Lady Falcons with 63 hits including six home runs and 66 RBIs. She was stellar on the mound as the Saint Thomas ace recording 122 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.93. Flanagan collected 38 hits and finished with a .475 batting average scoring 61 runs.
Lady Falcons advance to the Big Dance!
STA Ladies rally to defeat Oak Hill 4-3 to advance to the quarterfinals at the LHSAA State Tournament in Sulfur.
HAMMOND—Often good things come to those with patience. For the Saint Thomas Lady Falcons, patience meant a game that took two days and fourteen innings to finish, but the wait was worth it as Saint Thomas defeated No. 14 Oak Hill 4-3 Sunday to advance to the Class 2A Quarterfinals.
Karlee Kraft doubled off the top of the left field wall with two outs in the 14th inning, scoring Camryn Flanagan with the winning run as third-seeded St. Thomas advanced to the LHSAA state tournament with a 4-3 win over No. 14 Oak Hill in the Class 2A regionals Sunday afternoon.
St. Thomas (26-4), which fell behind 2-0 in the first inning Saturday before the game was called in the third due to lightning and rain, then rallied again in the 11th, will meet No. 11 Winnfield in the quarterfinals at Frasch Park in Sulphur Friday at noon. Winnfield (14-7) advanced with a 5-0 win over No. 6 Rosepine on Friday.
“We kind of got ourselves in a hole in the first inning yesterday,” STA head coach Jamie Flanagan said. “We gave up two unearned. I hate to say it but I think the rain and having to come back today really helped us a lot. I think they were a lot more relaxed and confident today. We’re young with five freshmen and three sophomores and for all of them, this was their first time in this situation with the chance to go to Sulphur.”
Oak Hill’s Nikki Jarrell got the first two outs in the 14th before Flanagan reached when Hope Wilson threw high on her grounder to third. After Leslie Matherne walked, Kraft went to 3-0 before lining a pitch high off the wall in left, easily plating Flanagan with the winning run.
“The pitch was right over the plate,” Kraft said. “It was the perfect pitch to hit.”
Jamie Flanagan said Kraft, who batted over .600 this season, was the player he wanted up in that situation.
“At that point, first and second, you need somebody to get a hit to win the game, that’s the person I want out there doing it,” Flanagan said. “She’s been doing it for us all year. She had a 3-0 count and I gave her the take sign and she was disappointed. But she got a second chance at 3-1 and she ripped it. I knew it was either going out or we were going to score the run regardless.”
Kraft also did it in the circle. After giving up two unearned runs in the first, the freshman held Oak Hill (18-12) to one run and six hits over the final 13 innings.
“I can’t say enough about Karlee in the circle,” Flanagan said. “Fourteen innings and she held them down to one run over the last 13. She was tired and was grinding it out. Defensively, I don’t think we had an error after yesterday in the first inning. But definitely the game ball to her for holding them down over that time.”
Two of the Lady Rams’ hits came in the 11th when Tori Carroll led off with a single to right and after a bunt by Jarrell, came in on Lexi Miller’s single to center to make it 3-2. Miller went to second on the play but Kraft got Erica Bennett to pop up and Hannah Winegeart to ground out to keep it a one-run game.
Haleigh Laylle and Jayden Berthelot led off the bottom of the inning with singles. Jarrell came back with a strikeout before getting Heather Peterman to hit back to circle to force Laylle at third. But after both runners moved up on a passed ball, Berthelot scored on a wild pitch with a 1-2 count on Jordan Tantillo. Jarrell completed the strikeout to send the game to the 12th.
St. Thomas trailed 2-0 when Kraft led off the sixth with a walk and Laylle singled an out later. After a strikeout, Jourdan Cheek lofted a fly ball to right-center that fell in when center fielder Lauren Brister and Winegeart collided. Kraft scored with Laylee following with the tying run.
“I just told them we’re the home team,” Flanagan said of what he told the team going into the sixth. “Just keep battling. If we can hold them down, we’re eventually going to sneak one across.”
Oak Hill took advantage of some early jitters by St. Thomas to take a 2-0 lead in the first. The Lady Rams loaded the bases with one out as Brister singled, Carroll reached on an error and Jarrell walked. Miller then hit a slow roller back to the circle with Brister scoring when Lauren Anthon couldn’t hold onto Kraft’s throw home. Kraft walked Winegeart to force in Carroll before getting a strikeout to end the inning.
“In the first inning we were really nervous,” Kraft said. “But then the rains came and we were really excited because we knew if we came back today, we could come back and win.”
Lady Falcons open playoffs with 15-0 shutout of Runnels.
STA Ladies notch a dozen hits and freshman Karlee Kraft tosses a PERFECT GAME fanning eight and
scattering one ground ball out.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Lady Falcons used an eight-run burst in the bottom of the third to finish off the visiting Runnels Lady Raiders 15-0 and advance to the Regional Round of the LHSAA State Playoffs. Freshman Karlee Kraft pitched a perfect game fanning eight and scattering one ground ball out, while the freshmen duo of Jayden Berthelot and Jourdan Cheek provided the final game ending fireworks. Berthelot smashed a three-run double scoring Karlee Kraft, Laura Anthon scores, and Haleigh Laylle to make the score 13-0, and then Cheek hit a deep ball to left for an inside the park home run scoring Berthelot to finish it.
“We started slow at the plate, but once the girls adjusted to the strike zone we were able to put together hits and manufacture more runs,” said Saint Thomas head coach Jamie Flanagan. “Defensively, Karlee (Kraft) was solid again for us and kept them off the bases.”
Sophomore Laura Anthon and Berthelot combined for eight RBIs on five hits and Anthon collected three hits and four runs batted in and Berthelot notched two hits and four RBIs.
Lady Falcons celebrate Senior Night with
10-0 shutout of Holden!
Saint Thomas honors seniors Madeline Lanier and Heather Peterman.
HAMMOND—The Saint Thomas Lady Falcons, a young team with only two seniors, made sure their senior went out in style Monday night as they celebrated Senior Night by defeating the visiting Holden Lady Rockets 10-0 in five innings. Seniors Madeline Lanier and Heather Peterman were honored in ceremonies before the game. Freshman Jourdan Cheek ended the contest with a two-run single to give the Lady Falcons 10 runs in the bottom of the fifth and freshman Karlee Kraft pitched a gem fanning 10 and scattering two hits.
The Saint Thomas Ladies plated one in the bottom of the first as Camryn Flanagan walked and scored on a double by Kraft. They padded their margin by three in the second as Leslie Matherne hit a hard line drive for a single scoring Cheek and Flanagan.
After being held scoreless in the third, the Lady Falcons broke it open in the fourth scoring four runs. Saint Thomas loaded the bases as Peterman walked, Jordan Tantillo bunted to reach first safely, and Flanagan is walked. Mallory Baker, running for Peterman, scored on a passed ball. Leslie Matherne walked and Kraft reaches base on a fielder's choice to the third baseman and Jordan Tantillo is forced out at home. Laura Anthon followed and was walked scoring Flanagan. Haleigh Laylle hit a medium fly ball for a single and Leslie Matherne scored and Kraft reached home on a passed ball.
The Lady Falcons, ranked number one in the current LHSAA Power Rankings, will await the LHSAA State Tournament Bracket posting set for release next week.
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Top Story
2019 Schedule
2019 Roster
2021 Disitrict 10-2A Standings April 4th
Doyle 18-5, 6-0
St. Thomas 15-5, 7-1
Fr. Settlement 15-7, 2-4
Springfield 10-10, 2-4
Northlake 12-7, 1-5
PJP II 2-13, 0-4
2018 Record
28-7, 5-1
2017 Record
23-12, 5-1
2016 Record
24-8, 5-1
District Standings
LADY FALCONS 5-1
Doyle 21-9, 5-1
Springfield 5-14, 1-5
Fr. Settlement 8-17, 1-5
2015 Record
26-5, 10-0
Sports Links
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MaxPreps Softball
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