WINDSOR – Oh, so close.

Bertie High School came within one tenth of a percentage point of qualifying for an at-large playoff berth in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 3-A softball tournament.

&uot;Obviously, we are disappointed,&uot; veteran BHS skipper Jackie Copeland said. &uot;We worked hard all season and for us to have it end this way is tough.

&uot;We knew this was the situation we were in, but we were hoping things would go our way,&uot; she added. &uot;One-tenth of a point is a tough way to end the season.&uot;

While Copeland and her team were disappointed about the season’s end, she said the team had a very successful season which she is proud of.

&uot;This was a great season for Bertie High School softball,&uot; Copeland insisted. &uot;Megan Cowan had her best year ever both at the plate and on the mound and that helped us get better.

&uot;I was happy with our team leadership this year and I was thrilled with the selfless way they sacrificed at the plate when Coach (Alan) Hoggard and I asked them to,&uot; she added. &uot;They did what was needed for the team to be successful.&uot;

The 19-5-1 season that is among the best in Bertie history as a fast-pitch softball program, was accomplished with eight underclassmen on in the starting lineup.

The only senior on the squad was third baseman Allyson Hoggard.

&uot;We’ll miss Allyson, there’s no doubt about that,&uot; Copeland said. &uot;She has been a big part of getting Bertie softball to this point.&uot;

While Hoggard’s bat and defensive presence will be missed, the future continues to look bright for the Falcons.

With eight returning starters, including the strong right arm of Cowan and the leadership of catcher Carla Cooper, the Lady Falcons have plenty to build on next season.

&uot;Next season should be another good year for us with eight starters coming back,&uot; Copeland said. &uot;We’re looking forward to making the next step which is getting into the playoffs. As disappointed as we are this year, that’s how much we are looking forward to next year.&uot;