by Heather Graf
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Ask anyone in Decatur County, and they'll tell you Holly Bobo is always on their minds. The state championship for Class A high school softball is no exception.
The Lady Panthers of Riverside High School played in their biggest game of the year at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Just a few hours earlier, the school's baseball team took home the state title.
"The second Holly went missing, both the baseball and softball teams, the boys had hot pink shoelaces and the girls put pink ribbons in their hair," said Bobo's cousin, Kristen Smith.
It's the color that symbolizes the community's hope for Holly's safe return.
"We're praying continuously and we will not stop," said Jordan Johnson, who is also one of Holly's cousins. "And we just want everyone, when they see those pink ribbons, to stop and say a quick prayer for her."
A huge crowd made the trip from Decatur County to Murfreesboro to cheer on both teams. Fans said it's an exciting time, but they wish Holly was here to enjoy it.
"You almost feel guilty for having to go on with your day to day routine, but in the same breath, our county needs some good news," said Smith.
The boys' championship was their first bit of good news. The girls softball title was their second. The wins also gave community members a reason to smile, for perhaps the first time since Holly went missing on April 13th.
"I think it's just everybody being together and just that sense of community," said Smith.
They also hope the pink ribbons remind others they're not giving up.
"I believe it. We've gotta believe we'll find her," said Kellie Moore. "We love Holly, we love her."
The TBI said thousands of leads have come in since her disappearance, but so far there are no strong leads.
An $80,000 reward is still being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible.
Email: hgraf@newschannel5.com
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