Lady Indians-State Runner-Up
The Stephens County Lady Indians make an incredible run to the Georgia Class AAAA Softball State Final and finish as the state runner-up.
Northside of Columbus received great pitching from Hannah George and scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning to take the state title game 6-0 on Saturday.
Stephens County won the opening game on Saturday 2-0 to get to the final. Alanna Dunson got the Indians first hit of the game in the bottom of the sixth. She went to second when Emma Whitfield was intentionally walked. Aly Singletary replaced Dunson on second and scored on a Kayley Sellers single. Sellers also scored in the inning on a Mackenzie Rogers single. Whitfield got the shutout on the mound winning the pitching duel with George.
The Lady Indians entered the Elite Eight double elimination tournament in Columbus with a 5-1 loss to Northside of Columbus on Thursday.
The Lady Indians then proceeded to win four games on Friday to advance to the State Championship.
In the first game, Natalie Morgan and Whitfield hit two-run home runs, Rogers had a two-run single, and the Indians banged out a total of 13 hits to down Eastside 9-0 in five innings.
The Lady Indians followed with a 5-0 shutout of Marist. Whitfield hit another home run, and Morgan, Rogers, Ashton Ayers, and Kaylee Sellers all provided RBI’s.
In the Final Four, Stephens County faced a familiar foe in Region-8 rival Madison County. The Lady Indians again got two-run home runs from Whitfield and Morgan to jump out to a 7-0 lead and win 7-2.
The nightcap started after 10 P.M. on Friday and finished on Saturday morning. Morgan led off with a home run, Whitfield added a three-run home run in the first inning, and Katarina Fuller went three for three with 3 runs scored to lead the Indians to a 7-2 victory over West Laurens to advance to the State Championship.
Whitfield, pitching in her 4th game of the day struck out 15 batters in the contest.
Stephens County Head Coach Katie Jo Gentry said the run to the state title game showed the resiliency of the team. “They know how to battle adversity. They are my people and I am proud of them.”
The Lady Indians say farewell to the most successful senior class in the history of Stephens County softball. The Lady Indians advanced to last year’s Elite Eight and followed it up with a trip to the State Final. Playing their final games at Stephens County were Natalie Morgan, Katarina Fuller, Alanna Dunson, Mackenzie Rogers, Bailey Dobbs, and Ivey Andrews.
Gentry says this senior class is special and will be missed. “This senior class has been incredible. It is going to be painful losing each because they all bring something different to the table. They have been great leaders and carried this team. It has been a great ride with them.”
Throughout the tournament Stephens County rode the arm of Emma Whitfield. With the exception of a few innings, Whitfield pitched in every game amassing huge strikeout totals and limiting hits. Gentry says Whitfield showed that she is one of the best. “Emma is a heckuva of an athlete and person. She is a great competitor, she is relentless and will battle for her team.”
Gentry says the last two senior classes have set a mark for the program. “Last year we had a great class that set the foundation, and this year we advanced. Here’s to next year’s seniors. They know what to expect. They have been here twice. We hope to be back soon.”
Gentry added a note to all of the programs well wishers and supporters. “Thank you so much. We appreciate you guys being on the ride with us. Go Indians!”