The 2016 season was definitely one to remember for the Lady Jags softball team.

After falling to Troy Buchanan in the state championship 4-3, the Jaguars final record was 27-5. This year’s team set multiple records, both individual and team.

Senior outfielder Bailey Fowler set the record for both career and single season homeruns. Fowler continued her terror in the state championship as she blasted a shot over the left center fence to tie the game late. Although she is disappointed on the game’s turnout, she explained the impact this year’s team had on her senior year.

“I never thought I would get the chance to play in a state championship,” Fowler said. “Getting to share that experience with my teammates was a dream come true. We came up a little short but there is no group I would rather be going out with.”

With 27 wins in 32 games, the team set a record for wins and winning percentage. They were lead by stellar defense and tremendous pitching. Assistant Coach Traci Terry explains the advantage the Jaguars had with their young pitching staff.

“Easton (Seib) and Sydney (Righi) stepped up in a big way for us all year long,” Terry said. “After losing all of our pitchers to graduation last year, we were hopeful to bounce back. They were everything we expected and more. They showed an incredible level of maturity and I can’t wait to see what they can do for the rest of their high school careers.”

Heading into the season expectations were high for a team that returned a number of starters. After winning 12 of their first 13 games, the Jaguars began to gain both confidence and momentum heading into the second half of their season. However, due to a number of variables, the Jags hit a rough patch toward the end of their conference schedule, dropping games to Blue Springs, Ray-Pec and Lee’s Summit West.

The team seemed to be confident in their abilities and got back on the winning track just in time to make a run at the title.

Prior to this year’s team, South had never taken a women’s sports team in the final four. Although the girls were well aware of their accomplishment, they did not let the pressure get to them. Head Coach Kristi Williams believes the team did a few things this year that will become tradition for years to come.

“I will never forget this season,” Williams said. “We had a ton of fun all year long. From themed practices, to the Cardinals game, or even to our talent show down at state, it seemed like every day our team got closer, and it showed on the field.”

Although led by five seniors, the Jaguars had a fairly balanced roster, and are slated to return an experienced group next season. After being named All Conference, District and Area junior center fielder Madison Crosslin hopes to continue her excellence into her senior year and has one goal in mind.

“After we finished second in State I was devastated,” Crosslin said. “I had the honor of playing with an incredible group of girls this year and can’t wait to get back after it next year. Winning state has always been a dream of mine and after getting as close as we did this year I want it more than ever.”