SHELBYVILLE — The Collins High School softball team wrapped up its 2025 campaign with a 12-13 record, navigating through injuries, lineup changes and a challenging schedule to show grit and steady growth throughout the season.

Despite falling 15-1 to Anderson County in the opening round of the 30th District Tournament, head coach Doug Hammond said he was proud of the team’s perseverance.

“If you would’ve told me before the season that we’d lose Bella Williams to a hip injury three games in, and then lose Alyssa Clark for a month after an appendectomy, I would’ve never believed we’d win 12 games,” Hammond said. “But our girls showed a lot of fight and resilience.”

Collins opened the year with an 11-1 win over Christian Academy-Louisville and a 16-2 victory over Henry County at the Great 8 event. Williams pitched in both early-season wins before the injury limited her to just 19 innings the remainder of the season. Seventh-grader Brianna Morris stepped into the circle and pitched in 17 games, logging 150.1 innings with 123 strikeouts and a 3.17 ERA.

“She was thrown into a tough situation and handled it like a veteran,” Hammond said. “She gave us a chance in nearly every game she pitched.”

The Lady Titans weathered a tough schedule that included losses to George Rogers Clark, North Oldham, Anderson County and Woodford County. They bounced back with key wins over Whitefield Academy (12-7), Walton-Verona (15-10), Lexington Christian (5-3) and Spencer County (13-11, 16-6).

Senior Brooke Peterman anchored the offense with a standout season, batting .581 with seven home runs, 28 RBI and 36 hits in 21 games.

“She was locked in all year,” Hammond said. “She went through a stretch where she didn’t miss-hit a ball. She was seeing it so well and playing with confidence.”

Peterman was supported at the plate by Williams (.361), senior Allie Renfro (.333), senior Maggie Renfro (.284), senior Betsy England (.274) and Morris (.283). Eighth-grader Peyton Haverly also made strides at second base, batting .262 in 18 games.

“We were constantly shifting positions,” Hammond said. “And when you’re mixing things up at pitcher and catcher, that’s usually not a recipe for success — but these girls held their own.”

The Lady Titans closed the regular season with a 16-6 win over Spencer County before their postseason run was cut short.

While the season ended earlier than hoped, Hammond said his message to the team — especially the four graduating seniors — centered on appreciation and legacy.

“When I took over four years ago, I wanted to build a healthy program culture,” Hammond said. “Peterman, England and the Renfro twins helped lay that foundation. England might be the best teammate I’ve ever coached in 30 years.”

With Williams expected to return healthy next year and Morris gaining valuable varsity experience, Hammond believes the team is in a strong position moving forward. Clark will return behind the plate, and Haverly is expected to anchor the infield again.

“We’ve already started evaluating for next year,” Hammond said. “Now it’s up to the younger girls to step up and fill the roles we’re losing. If they do that, we will be fine moving forward.”

Stat Leaders – 2025 Collins Lady Titans Softball

Top Hitters (min. 35 at-bats):

Brooke Peterman (Sr.) – .581 AVG, 36 H, 28 RBI, 6 2B, 7 HR

Bella Williams (So.) – .361 AVG, 22 H, 12 RBI, 4 2B

Allie Renfro (Sr.) – .333 AVG, 19 H, 14 RBI, 4 2B

Maggie Renfro (Sr.) – .284 AVG, 19 H, 12 RBI, 7 2B

Brianna Morris (7th) – .283 AVG, 17 H, 10 RBI, 3 2B

Pitching Staff:

Brianna Morris (7th) – 150.1 IP, 3.17 ERA, 123 K, 41 BB, 12 W

Bella Williams (So.) – 19.0 IP, 11.05 ERA, 30 H, 2 W

Margo Treece (Fr.) – 12.2 IP, 13.82 ERA, 14 H, 2 W