Mountaineer softball season ends in first round of state

May 9-Tuscola softball's season came to an end Tuesday night in Waynesville when the Mountaineers fell 2-0 to North Surry despite a late valiant comeback effort.

"It's like we've done all year," Tuscola Coach Bronson Cook said. "We fought to the end. That's a good team. They're in a tough conference, just like we are. They've got a good pitcher. We fought like we talked about in our huddles. We took all their punches, and it was our turn to throw some. And we did. We just didn't throw enough."

After the game, numerous players hugged and cried following the loss, compounded by the farewell for seniors who'd taken the field for the last time. The tight-knit team this season was like a family.

"This has been a close group for the seniors," Cook said. "Softball is supposed to be a release. You come out and have fun. Let go of what the world says you're supposed to do. That's a big thing for kids these days. It's got a good group of parents, too, and that shows in the kids"

The Mountaineers struggled to hit off North Surry sophomore Addison Hawks, who racked up 18 strikeouts in the game.

Tuscola got its first baserunner of the night in the sixth inning on a dropped third strike. The Mountaineers then broke up the no-hitter with one out in the seventh inning when senior Madisyn Brooks smoked one up the middle.

She was followed by Kendall Williamson, who hit one up the middle to put runners on the corners with one out. Williamson eventually stole second to get the tying run in scoring position, but Tuscola couldn't do anything from there.

"They don't quit. That's been their MO all year long. Don't count us out. Until whoever's behind the plate says, 'ball game,' there's a chance. They might be down, but they're not out," Cook said.

Brooks got the start in the circle, going four innings while allowing a single run and no earned runs. Williamson relieved Brooks in the fifth inning and closed the game out, allowing a single earned run the rest of the way.

Those two were critical players for Tuscola, particularly when it came to their pitching expertise.

"That was a blessing for the season," Cook said. "Kendall didn't pitch for the past two years. She worked her butt off. I'd take that one-two punch on the road anywhere."

While it was a heartbreaker for the players on the field, Cook said there's no reason for them to hang their heads. The team has left its imprint on the program.

"We talk about leaving it in better shape than when you found it," Cook said. "This group, they've won a lot of ball games. Not to say that it was in bad shape before they got here, but they stepped it up a notch. And there are big shoes to fill."

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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 8:24 PM.