SCHS Softball Entering Postseason

The Stephens County High School softball team is getting ready for its postseason to start today in the Region 8-AAAA tournament.

Today at 2 p.m., the Lady Indians will play Madison County at Jefferson in the semi-finals.

This season, Stephens County went 18-2 overall and 8-2 in the region, which was good enough to earn second place in the region and a first-round bye in the region tournament.

Stephens County Head Softball Coach Dave Poffenberger said though that the postseason is a whole new ballgame.

“We have had a good season but, like I told my girls last night, the 18-2 means absolutely nothing at this point,” said Poffenberger Thursday. “We have playoffs in front of us and that is all we are looking forward to at this point.”

The second place finish in the regular season did assure the Lady Indian softball team of a berth in the state playoffs.

Poffenberger credited a team effort with their success so far this year.

In the circle, he said Emma Whitfield has been unbelievable in leading the pitching effort.

“She has had a tremendous season,” said Poffenberger. “I hate the fact that we have had to throw her every game. We have had some other injuries to other players that could pitch for us and I hate the fact that they did not get the opportunity to pitch as well, but Emma has really stepped up and done a phenomenal job.”

Meanwhile, Poffenberger said the Lady Indians also bring to the table a balanced offense.

“I would dare to say we do not have anybody that cannot hit the ball,” said Poffenberger. “Sometimes it is a problem deciding who we want to put in the lineup.”

Despite the regular season success, Poffenberger said the region tournament will be a challenge.

He said Region 8-AAAA has a number of very strong teams.

“You would think with Buford moving out of our region, it would have made things a lot easier this season, but it really has not,” said Poffenberger. “We brought in Jefferson. They have a great pitcher as well. North Oconee went to the Elite Eight last year and Oconee itself is also very good. I would say our region is just as tough as it was last year.”