Greeneville’s Lady Devils entered the Region 1 Tournament as the No. 2 seed out of District 1, seeking their fifth regional title and first since the 2010–11 season. After a 17–10 victory over previously undefeated Carter, only perennial contender Dobyns-Bennett, who knocked off Gibbs 18-9 in the semi-finals, stood between Greeneville and the championship.
That hurdle proved too high, as the Lady Indians pulled away for a 21–6 win to claim their 12th regional title in the past 25 years.
Dobyns-Bennett set the tone early, jumping out to a commanding 7–1 lead in the opening game with an 889 series compared to Greeneville’s 761. Madison Wilson led the way with a 179, while Mackenzie Place added a 156. Greeneville’s lone point came from Lylli Sopha, who rolled a 162.
The Lady Devils attempted to regroup in Game 2, but the Tribe stayed hot, improving their team total to 974 while Greeneville managed an 813. Place paced Dobyns-Bennett with a 186, pushing the advantage to 13–3. Destiny Dishner (180) and Michaela Mahony (173) also contributed strong efforts. Greeneville picked up its points behind Jazmine Kesterson’s 183 and Ella Norris’ 136.
The slow start put Greeneville in a difficult position, but the Lady Devils continued to compete. Head coach David Painter praised his team’s resilience following the match.
“Knowing that we had won the first one, the girls got a little complacent, and that hurt us,” Painter said. “But we came back and battled in Game 2 against Dobyns-Bennett. The season is still alive, and having a chance to make the state tournament is a good feeling.”
The match concluded in the Baker format, with both teams trading frames throughout. Dobyns-Bennett claimed the first Baker game 157–130 before Greeneville responded with a 125–99 win in the second.
Both teams remain among the final 16 vying for a state championship and will advance to sectional play on January 16. Dobyns-Bennett will bowl at home, while Greeneville will travel to face the Region 2 champion, who will be determined January 13 in Hixson, Tennessee.
SEMIFINALS
Greeneville began the day defeating Carter 17-10, a feat that neither a boys’ or girls’ team had ever accomplished.
The first game saw both teams split the individual points, with the Lady Devils pulling to the 5-3 advantage by outscoring the Hornets 872-817. Lylli Sopha’s 178, Breana Brown’s 174, and Jazmine Kesterson’s 149 provided the scoring surge.
Greeneville did not let off the gas as they pulled out to the 11-5 advantage behind Addison Phillips’ 159, Sopha’s 153, and Kesterson’s 141.
The Baker games were a back-and-forth battle with each team securing a victory; Carter taking the first 154-140 and Greeneville the second 157-149.
