The District 8 Softball Tournament is scheduled to get underway tonight at University Heights Academy and it’s definitely a family affair.
The second semifinal tonight at 7 will feature No. 1 seed Christian County (18-13) against No. 4 seed Heritage Christian Academy (6-8). The Lady Colonels won their only matchup of the season 17-1.
One of the top players for the Lady Colonels is sophomore Jazzy Tejada, who smashed three home runs in a game earlier this month against Caldwell County. In the other dugout coaching the Lady Warriors will be Ashley Tejada, Jazzy’s mother.
Ashley Tejada said Jazzy has been trash talking her since they found out they would be playing each other in the district tournament.
Jazzy said she’s been trying to find out what pitcher her mom will be starting tonight.
Jazzy is hitting .306 with six home runs and 25 RBI this season. Ashley said regardless of tonight’s outcome, she is proud of Jazzy’s hard work that has produced results this season.
The first game tonight features No. 2 seed University Heights Academy (4-8) against No. 3 Fort Campbell (7-8). The teams split their regular season meetings with the Lady Blazers winning 21-4 and the Lady Falcons claiming a 13-3 win.
If the Lady Blazers and Christian County advance to Tuesday’s 7 p.m. championship game, there could be more family bragging rights on the line.
UHA coach Ashlie Ezell’s daughter, Talyn, is a seventh grader for the Lady Colonels.
Ashlie says the trash talking already has started.
Talyn said she just wants to win a championship.
Ashlie Ezell, speaking for herself and Ashley Tejada, said coaching their teams and missing their daughters’ games can be difficult.
Tickets for the tournament are $8 and is cash or card. Children ages 5-and-under are free.
Photos by Joe Wilson