Six softball teams from around Middle Georgia among the Elite Eight
The Middle Georgia area placed multiple teams in the Elite Eight of the 2018 GHSA Fast Pitch Softball State Championships held in Columbus. Here’s how they did Thursday.
Mount de Sales Academy
The Cavaliers came into the game with a 13-7 record. The team had some bumps in the road to get to that point, including back-to-back losses in the region tournament to Tattnall and its Elite Eight opponent Stratford. One of Mount de Sales’ strengths is the pair of pitchers on its roster. Chloe Nepveux and Jordyn Partain both have six or more wins. Mount de Sales and Stratford have met three times in the regular season, and Stratford led the series 2-1.
Mount de Sales vs. Stratford: 3-0 Mount de Sales
Stratford Academy
The Eagles turned up the heat in the Sweet 16. Stratford knocked off Landmark Christian in two straight games by scoring nine runs in each game. The offense needed to bounce back after a rough outing against Tattnall in the region tournament where it could only muster up two runs.
Stratford vs. Mount de Sales: 3-0 Mount de Sales
Tattnall Square Academy
The Trojans headed into the Elite Eight holding a 21-7 record on the season. The key to the team’s success has been in maintaining balance. Tattnall outscored opposing teams 194-84 on the season. The Trojans have one of the best overall teams due to having a very well-rounded team. The team excels in pitching, defense and offense. It is rare to see a team combine all three the way this team does.
Tattnall vs. Prince Avenue Christian: 2-1 Prince Avenue Christian
First Presbyterian Day School
FPD has looked like a top contender all season behind a pitching staff that has only given up 49 runs. The team has 17-5 record on the season. The offense has looked good in the tournament with 13 runs in the last two games. Karsen Ochs is the leader of this team. She has an ERA under one and has hit seven home runs on the season, which ties her for the team lead.
FPD vs. George Walton Academy: 4-2 FPD
Houston County High School
If you like offense, then this is the team to watch. In its four playoff games, it has already scored 41 runs. The Bears had two games during the regular season where they topped the 20-run mark. Freshman Makayla Krepps led the team in homers during the regular season with four. Houston County does a good job of stringing together hits to score instead of relying strictly on power.
Houston County vs Allatoona: 9-3 Allatoona
Perry High School
The Panthers are the Cinderella team of this tournament. Perry has crashed the party as they finished the season with a losing record but have gotten hot at the right time. In the last round against Eastside, the Panthers’ backs were at the wall again facing an elimination game. Perry pulled out a 9-5 win. There is quite frankly not a stat that stands out as to why this team has been able to make it this far. It is simply by grinding out wins with heart and determination when it needs it the most. Perry is hoping to ride the momentum right into a state championship.
Perry vs LaFayette: 5 p.m. start time