Central Hardin’s Gent looking to rack up even more hits in Lexington

Central Hardin senior second baseman Alyssa Gent has totaled 45 hits this season, and is looking to add to that tally when the Bruins face Harrison County in the first round of the state tournament June 2 in Lexington.

Central Hardin softball has been on a tear this season, sitting with a record of 32-8-1 while winning their region and district tournaments. Their next stop is Lexington for the state tournament.

Their roster has high-level talent at just about every position, with several players stringing together quality season stats to help contribute to their trophy-filled season.

Alyssa Gent is one of those players, with the senior leading the Bruins from the front, both at the plate and around the infield.

"This postseason our team has come together so well," Gent said. "We have all played our parts and without each individual person doing their job we wouldn't have made it this far. For myself, I feel I have really locked in and I’m doing everything offensively and defensively that I can to keep the team pumped up and have momentum so we can continue to play."

The senior plays second base for the Bruins and has been an integral piece to the Bruins’ journey to district and region final Ws.

One way Gent has been making significant contributions this season has been her performances with the lumber in her hands.

"Alyssa knows the situations of the game and what pitches to look for in those situations," Central Hardin head coach Jamie Goodman said. "Knowing situations of the game has helped her and the team be successful in many games this season."

The second baseman has tallied up 45 hits and 48 RBI's on 117 at-bats this year, numbers that land her as one of the most productive hitters in the region.

"When I step into the box, I am just trying to look for a pitch I can drive," Gent said. "I try not to guess what the pitch is because then I’m not able to adjust if it's something different. I just see the pitch out of the pitcher's hand and try to drive it."

Her method of keeping it simple while at the dish has worked particularly well in the postseason, racking up seven hits, five RBIs, and no Ks during the Bruins’ matchups throughout the district and region tournaments.

While she might seem like your typical volume hitter, Gent also has a good amount of patience at the plate, too, something that pairs well with her knack of getting on base.

"I’m not typically someone who strikes out a lot because I’m normally an aggressive hitter. I try to jump on one of the first couple good pitches I see so I don't get behind in the count," Gent said. "However, when I get two strikes on me, I’m trying to hit anything close. I’m more worried about putting the ball in play than trying to get a good base hit because if you just put the ball in play, good things will happen."

The University of Cumberlands commit has struck out just 12 times in her 41 games played this season as well as accruing 13 walks in the meantime, a testament to her patience against opposing pitchers.

"Alyssa is disciplined at the plate," Goodman said. "She knows the strike zone and isn't afraid to hit with two strikes. She has had some very timely hits for us this year and her patience and knowing the strike zone helps her in big situations at the plate."

While her tangibles, clutch hitting and good eye, often show up, her intangibles could arguably be Gent's most important quality.

Her work ethic, leadership and mentality are just a few things that help the senior rise above the rest, Goodman said.

"Alyssa has been a great role model for our younger players. Her work ethic is phenomenal," Goodman said. "She doesn't let a bad at-bat or a defensive mistake turn into negative body language and that is big as a leader."

"Being a senior on our team comes with a lot of responsibilities," Gent said. "I try to be a good leader to the younger girls because when I was in their shoes, I looked up to my senior class. I try to set a good example for all the girls."

The Central Hardin roster holds 10 players that are sophomores or younger.

Gent, along with her four senior teammates and the rest of the talent-filled Bruins roster, are looking to make it all count in the Clark's Pump-N-Shop Softball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare this week.

Their first round matchup against Harrison County (31-7) is set for 9 p.m. Friday at University of Kentucky's John Cropp Stadium.

It's the first time Central Hardin (32-8-1) is making the trip to Lexington since 2019, where they made it to the final four before falling 4-1 to Warren East.

"We’ve had a great season this year and I’m super excited for this team to take on Lexington and experience the atmosphere of being there," Gent said.

Cole Vance can be reached at 270-505-1425 or [email protected].

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