JAMES CITY COUNTY — After winning just three games combined over the previous two seasons, the Jamestown High School softball team is headed to the postseason for the first time in seven years following a dramatic turnaround season.
Jamestown rebounded from back-to-back-to-back 1-19, 2-18, and 4-13 seasons to finish 15-6 this spring and tie for first place in the Bay Rivers District.
At the beginning of the season, the Lady Eagles started 4-5 before regrouping and going on a 10-1 run to close out the regular season.
Head coach Lindsey Mair said one of the biggest factors in the team’s turnaround was its chemistry and understanding of roles.
“They are bonded as a team, they have really come together and lift each other up and they have made it a goal this season to prove to the doubters that they are a good team,” Mair said.
Mair said the Bay Rivers District is highly competitive, with games often decided by narrow margins.
“Any team can win on any given day in this district. It’s very tight with wins sometimes coming down to one run,” Mair said.
Several Jamestown players delivered standout individual seasons that helped fuel the team’s success.
Sophomore pitcher Tenley Medlin recorded 176 strikeouts and posted a 1.73 ERA, leading the district in both categories. Teammate Grace Hughes added a 3.14 ERA and two home runs, ranking among the district’s top pitchers. Medlin and Hughes also each threw a no-hitter during the season. Captain Zoe Mayes hit .533 at the plate, finishing among the Bay Rivers District leaders in batting average.
“This past season has truly made such an impact on the culture of the Jamestown softball team,” said Zoe Mayes, captain of the team “Everyone can see that this Jamestown team is different and we want to go all the way no matter the obstacles.”
In addition to making the postseason, the girls also earned a spot on the 757teamz ranking list for the first time in school history.
Coach Lindsey Mair said she has told the team to treat the postseason like any other game.
“We go into every game like we’re playing the best team we’ve ever seen,” she said. “We don’t let up … we go out with the same level of play every time.”
Jamestown plays Smithfield at 5 p.m. at the Stoney Run Athletics Complex in Newport News.