MJ battery to split up for college

The battery of pitcher Kenzie Roark and catcher Karli Rush charged Mt. Juliet to a state runner-up finish last spring.
After one more try for a Spring Fling championship this coming softball season, the two will go their separate ways to the next level.
"They're going to bring hard work and dedication and do their best to take care of the team," Mt. Juliet coach Kacey Pedigo said of Roark, who signed with Virginia Tech, and Rush, who inked with Trevecca during the first day of the fall signing period Wednesday. "I've been fortunate I have a pitcher and a catcher who work well together. They're very knowledgeable of the game.
"They both have the potential to contribute, to be playmakers. They've never not known success."
With Rush catching her, Roark went 16-2 last spring, suffering both losses to Soddy-Daisy in the state finals, with a 0.59 earned-run average. She struck out 99, including 15 in the first finals game against S-D, and walked 10.
"Those two losses are hard for her to swallow," Pedigo said. "She had as a goal to finish with a big goose egg."
Sports Editor Andy Reed can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 17 or by e-mail at andy.reed@lebanondemocrat.com.