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LAFAYETTE — The St. Charles Catholic softball team’s slogan for the year was “Tough times don’t last; tough people do.” This year’s group of 18 girls exemplified that in every aspect, competing to the best of their ability from January 17 to the very last pitch of the championship game.

St. Charles Catholic became the Division III runner-up after losing the state championship game to Notre Dame, 4-6, Saturday afternoon in Lafayette. It wasn’t the ending the Lady Comets hoped for, but coach Ty Monica couldn’t be prouder of his team.

“Our No. 1 goal was that we wanted to play on the last day of the season, and these girls did exactly that. I can’t be more proud of them. They did exactly what we asked them to do. They competed and played above their heads, so to speak. They played hard,” Monica said.

Eighth graders Adrienne Arnett and Kamryn Cancienne stepped up in a big way during the championship game. Arnett led with three hits and started at shortstop. Meanwhile, Cancienne drove in the first run of the game and also went to work on the pitcher’s mound, where she held the Pios to only eight hits.

St. Charles Catholic advanced to the championship after earning a 15-9 win against Houma Christian in the semifinals last Friday. A three-run homer from senior Madison Hebert gave the Lady Comets an early lead. Hannah Brady and Mia Ganote also contributed clutch hits.

A majority of the team will return next season. The five graduating seniors are Madison Hebert, Hannah Brady, Dani Aucoin, Azaiyah Moll and Aubrey Westbrook.

“We had eight eighth graders this year, and these seniors knew they were going to have to take them under their wing and essentially teach them how to win. I thought they did an unbelievable job, and my hat goes off to them. They are going to be missed,” Monica said.