The Morgan County softball team has faced a few ups and downs so far this season.
The Lady Dogs lost star pitcher Ryleigh Hilsman to an injury earlier this season, and she hasn’t returned, but they’ve managed to hold their own without her, despite facing some tough competition so far.
Morgan County head coach Chad Pigg said sophomore Kennedi Johenkins has led the charge.
“Our pitchers have done a fantastic job stepping in and giving us opportunities to win games against good teams,” Pigg told the Lake Oconee News. “Between (Kennedi), Sidney Fischer, and the rest of our young staff, we’ve been able to play competitive games with chances to win all of them.”
Johenkins has faced tough competition. She’s won games against Harris County, defending Class 4A state champion Monroe Area, a Class AAA semifinalist, along with Northgate and Walnut Grove, two more playoff teams in their respective classifications. Johenkins has proven her worth.
This young staff, including Johenkins and Fischer, has also faced several other playoff-caliber teams such as Prince Avenue Christian, Strong Rock Christian, Eastside, and Houston County.
“I’m really proud of this group’s grit and determination with all sorts of adversity thrown at them,” Morgan County’s head coach said of his pitching staff.
Offensively, the Lady Dogs are starting to put things together. They’re more consistent at the plate and are driving in runs with runners in scoring position.
Jaleigh Harper, Jayden Daniel, Mary Faulkner, Sadie Bartlett, and others are seeing the ball well.
“I’m excited to see where this goes once we click on all cylinders offensively,” Pigg said. “We are close and have had some breakthrough moments.”
The team has trailed at times in games throughout this season, but the combination of a solid, young pitching staff and more consistent bats has led them to make some comebacks.
“I have learned that we have some really gritty competitive kids that have come to the park over the last couple of weeks looking to make sure we are prepared for playoff time,” Pigg added.
Morgan County is also looking to get Hilsman back before the end of the season. The Lady Dogs need her if they want to defend their state title.
“Ryleigh’s timeline is still unknown,” Pigg said. “She is finishing up physical therapy soon and will begin a throwing program as long as everything goes well.”