Morgan County’s softball team recently captured its second straight region title under coach Chad Pigg.
The Lady Dogs defeated Jackson on Senior Night to secure the Region 2-AA championship. They also entered the season's final week with a 19-3 overall record and a 14-0 mark in region play.
Pigg is exceptionally proud of his players, who have been battling against adversity all year.
“It’s awesome, but only because of the people I’m surrounded by,” Pigg said. “I’m surrounded by great people, man. I have a really good staff. I have really good kids. The community is awesome. They make it easy when you can roll up with a game plan, and they are ready to execute.”
Last week, Morgan County honored its three seniors – Brooklyn Mims, Kymora Smith, and Mallory Martin. They’ve each played a significant role in the program’s success over the last few years.
Mims said winning the region title two years in a row was one of her favorite memories as a Lady Dog.
“It was awesome. It was one of the best things to experience, honestly,” Mims said. “It was just great timing. It was our last regular season home game. As a senior, I'm so grateful to be on a team and play with the girls I’ve grown up with. It's a great experience. This is a great group of girls.”
Last season, in Pigg’s first year at the helm, his squad returned to the Elite Eight in Columbus for the first time since 2016. The Lady Dogs also won a game before being eliminated a few days later.
Last season’s success gave Mims and her teammates something to build on going into this year.
She said this year’s team is as connected as last season’s and that the group hasn’t skipped a beat.
“It all started last year, but [the success] brought the team together as a family.” Mims said. “There’s no separation. We’re playing for each other. Like last year, there were a few injuries, and younger girls had to step up, and that's just what it is about this year. It's just playing for each other, being selfless, playing for the girl next to you. And for the younger girls, playing for our seniors.”
Pigg said the leadership of Mims, Smith, and Martin, along with others, has helped since he took the job before the start of last season. They helped make his transition as a new head coach go smoothly.
“They're bought in for each other, and they are always looking to serve each other,” Pigg said.
Regarding expectations, Pigg expects his team to return to Columbus and compete for a state title.
Pigg has seen his team improve as the season has progressed, especially on offense. The Lady Dogs were prone to slow starts at the beginning of the regular season, but the offense has woken up.
“We’ve begun getting off to better starts. We've corrected that over the last two weeks, and we’re seeing the ball right now,” Pigg said. “We've got people swinging it well. That definitely helps when you get a couple of them syncing up on swinging it [consistently]. It’s see the ball, hit the ball.”
It also helps to have a pitcher like Ryleigh Hilsman in the circle. The junior has been a big part of the team’s success this season and has pitched several shutouts against quality opponents.
“She’s made a huge difference for us,” Pigg added of Hilsman. “We’re very lucky to have her.”
The Georgia High School Association’s softball playoffs are slated to start next week. Private schools from Class A Division I, Class AA, and Class AAA will play in a separate playoff. So Morgan County will be ranked among Class AA’s top eight teams and host a playoff series next week.
According to Pigg, the Lady Dogs’ opponent is yet to be determined.
“We’re taking it one game at a time,” Pigg said. “Our girls are locked in, and I hope we stay that way.”