LEXINGTON, Ky.– Kentucky softball 2008 signee Rachel Riley led Greenwood High School (Ky.) to its second consecutive state softball championship title on Sunday. A back-to-back title has only been accomplished one other time in state history, by the 1998-99 Lady Aces of Owensboro Catholic.

The future Wildcat and tournament Most Valuable Player pitched all five games of the weekend-long tournament in route to the Lady Gators? 6-5, win over North Laurel in the Championship game.

In the semi-final game against North Laurel, Riley, who just returned to action in April from a preseason ACL injury, allowed no runs in 14 innings, extending Greenwood?s streak of consecutive scoreless postseason innings to 41. At the plate, she added three hits of her own, including a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth to give Greenwood a 5-0 lead and secure a spot in the championship final.

Just hours after the semi-final concluded, Riley was back in the circle pitching the most innings since her injury. North Laurel jumped out in front scoring two unearned runs in the first inning.

Despite Riley?s early struggles, Greenwood coach Penny Reece said she never doubted her senior pitcher?s abilities, describing her as ?a perfectionist [who?s] going to give you 150 percent every time.?

Riley fulfilled her coach?s expectations by allowing only seven hits for five runs (three earned) and while fanning eight batters, earning the MVP honor for the second consecutive year. She also contributed from the plate with a single in the bottom of the first that gave the Gators their first run of the day. Greenwood would rally for five more runs to seal their second consecutive crown.

This historical championship marks the close of an impressive high school career for Riley, who looks to bring both her pitching and hitting talents to the Wildcats when she arrives at UK in the fall.