Robbinsville – Things certainly did not go to plan.
After compiling a 13-win season, winning the Smoky Mountain Conference for the fourth straight season and clinching a No. 2 seed in the 1A postseason bracket, the Lady Knights held all the cards.
However, Robbinsville’s postseason journey was quickly derailed on May 5, as the Lady Knights (13-2) fell to the visiting South Stokes Sauras (No. 15 seed, 10-4) in the first round of the state playoffs 3-0.
Robbinsville was simply unable to get its offense rolling against flamethrower Madison Anderson, who posted 15 strikeouts across a three-hit effort.
Known for its potent offense, the Knights’ only hits came on a leadoff double from Maggie Knight in the bottom of the fourth, and a pair of respective singles off the bats of Zoie Shuler and Patience Frapp in the sixth and seventh.
“There was no shame in getting beat by the girl from South Stokes,” Robbinsville manager Billy Knight said. “Anyone will tell you good pitching beats good hitting, and on that particular day not many people were going to beat her.
“Not the ending we wanted, but it takes nothing away from how good of a team we put on the field.”
South Stokes got on the board quickly, with Molly Crouse singling home Grace Mabe in the top of the first. Sydney Patterson then hit a solo homer to leadoff the sixth before Addison Flynt came home to score on an errant pickoff attempt at third base.
“This season definitely came to an end a lot quicker than we all expected – but even still, I’m extremely proud of this team,” said senior Gabby Hooper, who will join the Brevard College softball program after graduating from Robbinsville. “We worked so hard, and I’m thankful for the past four years.”
The three graduating seniors – Hooper, Maggie Knight (a Chattanooga State commit) and Sydney Farley – boast a 43-2 record in division play and were 60-9 overall.
“It was a successful season, to say the least,” coach Knight added. “They were a model of consistency. As coaches, we knew we were always gonna get their best effort and they never once let us down. If we did lose, it was never because of lack of intensity or effort.
“These girls take a great deal of pride in playing – for not only themselves, but their school and community.”
Robbinsville starter Memory Frapp (10-1) – who tossed two no-hitters this season – struck out five Sauras in the game. She will lead the charge from inside the circle next season, while the Knights have eight juniors set to return for the 2022 campaign.
As a unit, Robbinsville batted .406 at the plate (third in the 1A classification), led 1A in home runs (19, with eight different players leaving the yard) and posted a 2.02 ERA between Memory Frapp, Patience Frapp and Farley.
Coach Knight said the ERA was the lowest Robbinsville has had in seven years.
“To speak specifically about this season, it was a team without a lot of weaknesses,” he assessed. “Offensively, our team had a great mix of speed and power. Individuals who stood out this year were Maggie Knight, Memory Frapp, Zoie Shuler, Ivy Odom, Aynsley Fink, Hooper, and Halee Anderson. All of these girls will be nominated for All-Conference.
“More good news: 13 of the 16 girls who lettered this season will return in 2022.
“The level of excellence and expectations will remain high for Robbinsville softball.”