'I mean, with this group, there’s no telling'
After defeating Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe in a three-game series, the Morgan County softball team returns to Columbus and the Georgia High School Association’s Class AA Elite Eight this week.
It was an emotional roller coaster for the Lady Dogs and head coach Chad Pigg, who was extremely proud of how his team fought. He saw his team dig deep and win the series’ final two games.
“Yeah, it feels fantastic. We couldn’t be more happy,” Pigg said. “I’m excited to get some younger girls down there and experience it. And to see the older girls going back for another time [is exciting]. Now they know what to expect, so hopefully, we can get down there and make some noise.”
On Monday, Oct. 21, the Lady Warriors won game one 3-2, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The Lady Dogs stormed back in game two, responding with a 9-1 victory, forcing a game three the next day.
However, in game three, Lakeview Ft. Oglethorpe got ahead before Morgan County mounted an epic comeback, scoring four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Lady Dogs won game three 8-4 and punched their ticket to return to the Elite Eight in Columbus after falling short last year.
Morgan County’s Jayleigh Harper had the go-ahead in game three. She’s struggled at the plate throughout the season, but Pigg acknowledged she came up big when her team needed her the most.
“Jaleigh came up with a big one right there to put us ahead,” he said. “She's had some really, really bright spots and then went through a little bit of a lull. She's been fighting through it, but the kid has a lot of heart, so she fought and finally came through for us. I couldn't be more happy for her.”
Pigg admitted he was nervous when his team returned to the field for the top of the seventh and were three outs away from returning to Columbus, but junior pitcher Ryleigh Hilsman settled his nerves.
Hilsman, who’s been dominant the past three years for Morgan County, escaped the inning safely. After recording the final out, the Lady Dogs celebrated with a pile around the middle of the infield.
“No lead ever feels when you’re trying to punch a ticket to something like this,” Pigg said. “So, yeah, there’s a little bit of nerves there, but we also knew what was in the circle for us, and Ryleigh has a ton of guts, man. She’s special, so you've got a chance anytime she is in the circle.”
Morgan County’s quest at a Class AA state title starts Wednesday against Rockmart. The Elite Eight tournament in Columbus is double elimination, and the Lady Dogs have a chance to win it all.
“I mean, with this group, there’s no telling,” Pigg said. “Whatever they wanna do, we're gonna do, so hopefully, we go down there and take care of business.”