Can’t waste any time thinking about what ifs. It is what it is.

That was the consensus among members of the Parkersburg South softball program after the Mountain State Athletic Conference awarded Cabell Midland the league title without a pitch ever being thrown in the tournament format scheduled Wednesday in South Charleston.

Rain and standing water on the softball fields forced the cancellation of the MSAC Tournament — an event the Patriots were eager to compete in as part of their debut in the conference.

“It was kind of an awkward situation,” South coach Tim Burch said. “It would have been nice for us being the new kids on the block because it is the first year for us in the MSAC.

“With the rain coming in, (MSAC officials) did what they did, and I just nodded my head and left.”

According to seniors Shyanne Hays and Payton Mackey, the team practiced for nearly an hour-and-a-half prior to its semifinal matchup against Hurricane.

When word arrived the four semifinal teams would return home without any game action, players were frustrated. South wanted the opportunity to showcase their game to some of the best big school teams in the state.

“I was pretty upset about it — we started with a good warmup before the rain came, and we were all ready to get the job done,” Mackey said. “Whenever we play as a team and play like we know how, I don’t think there is a team in the state that can beat us.

“When everybody shows up and we have each other’s back and putting the bat on the ball and (South pitcher) Annie Shelton is doing her thing, we are tough to beat.”

Unfortunately for South’s next opponent, there was anger in the sound of the bats as the Patriots belted out six extra base hits — including a pair of solo home runs – in a 14-0, five-inning win over Ravenswood on Thursday.

“Yes, we did hit the ball well,” Burch said. “That’s the whole idea because we want to see different speeds, so we have to be able to hit fast, slow, medium — whatever. We work on that in practice.

“I’m proud of them tonight because they really did hit well. They smashed it all over the field. Even the outs were loud.”

The loudness was only an extension of the planning of Senior Night on Thursday. Fans, players — both home and opposing teams — were treated to a mini-version of a fireworks show as South seniors were introduced onto the diamond.

“I’m Captain Overkill around here — I like the touch,” Burch said.

Topping off the evening of electricity was South sophomore pitcher Annie Shelton, striking out 12 and surpassing 400 in less than two years at the high school level.

Once the postgame huddle broke, Shelton ventured beyond the outfield fence where photo opportunities were being taken with softballs spelling out the number ‘400.’

“I definitely feel like I’m starting to get confident out there on the mound,” Shelton said. “I’m always confident, but I feel like I’m starting to find my groove. That makes me excited and ready to go out there.

“As far as 400 strikeouts, it’s an exciting thing. But honestly, I’m just looking at the next thing coming. Keep reaching goals, keep chasing goals and getting better every day.”

As for missing out on a possible MSAC title, Shelton has moved on.

“It was definitely frustrating for the fact that we were all excited to go out and play,” Shelton said. “I was really excited. But hey, maybe it’s for the best and everything happens for a reason. I am just so excited to see what comes next.”

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com