The Lady Pirates softball team earned a spot in the Final Four and finished third in the state after playing a tough schedule at the GHSA State Playoffs in Columbus, GA over the weekend.
After sailing through the first two rounds of playoffs, the Lady Pirates fell to Appling County by a score of 1-6 on Oct. 30 in Columbus.
They fought hard after the loss and beat three teams in their run to the Final Four. They defeated the Miller Grove Wolverines 15-0 Oct 31. Then they beat the Union County Panthers 4-0 on Nov. 1. They defeated the Sonoraville Phoenix later that day by a score of 10-2 before losing to Appling County 1-11 and finishing among the top three teams in the state.
“I am exceptionally proud of this team and all they’ve accomplished. Entering the tournament as the eighth seed, they faced an incredibly challenging path to the championship, yet they approached every game with resilience, determination and an unwavering commitment to one another,” said head coach Makenzie Luker. “Their grit and tenacity, from the first game of the season to the final pitch, have been inspiring to witness. This season has been nothing short of remarkable and a true testament to the character and dedication of each player.”
The team’s seniors include Kinsley Embrey, Austin King, Angie Litten, Aubree Reese and Madyson Whitfield.
“We will deeply miss our graduating seniors, whose leadership, passion, and drive have not only elevated our program but set a standard of excellence for years to come,” said coach Luker. “Their impact will be felt long after they leave, and they have built a legacy that the next generation can aspire to. With the young talent we have in place and the foundation our seniors helped build, I am confident that the future of this program is incredibly bright.”
In the game against Miller Grove, senior Aubree Reese drove in seven runs on three hits with a single and a double in the first inning and a triple in the second inning. Linzie Davis hit a solo homerun to center in the second. Haislynn Cromer earned the win, allowing one run and no hits over three innings.
Kerrah Foster earned the win over the Union County Panthers as she gave up six hits and no runs over seven innings, striking out seven and walking one. Aubree Reese led the offense with two hits in three at bats.
In the 10-2 victory over the Sonoraville Phoenix, Linzie Davis drove in five runs on three hits to lead the team offensively. She hit a homer to center in the first to score three runs and a single in the sixth to score one. Austin King doubled to score two runs and Linzie Davis homered to center field to score three runs in the first inning.
Kerrah Foster earned the win for the Pirates as she allowed nine hits and two runs over six innings, striking out four and walking two. The Lady Pirates showed their offensive strength in the game as they had all season with 11 hits. Linzie Davis and Kerrah Foster each collected three hits to lead the team. Ashlyn Maddock had two hits and took two walks for the Pirates. The Pirates didn’t commit any errors and Aubree Reese had made the most plays in the game with seven.