The Lake Oconee Academy softball team took care of business in the first round of the Class A Division II state playoffs.
The No. 2 seed Lady Titans put on an offensive showcase, scoring 18 runs in two games to sweep No. 3 seed Miller County. They defeated the Lady Pirates 9-6 and 9-0 on Monday to advance to the second round.
“The girls came out fire. There just seemed to be an aura the girls carried and something in the air where they were not going to be denied,” LOA head coach Glynn McDaniel said. “It was actually palpable, and I refrained from breaking superstition and saying something about it pregame.”
The Lady Titans tallied nearly 20 hits over two games against Miller County. They capitalized on every chance at the plate to get players on base and drive in runs, which helped them sweep the Lady Pirates on Monday.
Players such as Shelby Robinson, Lola Slaughter, Beth Harris, and Elizabeth Moore, among others, performed well in the two-game series. They’ve made up a strong core for LOA in the batter’s box this season.
Kaitlyn Mamay and Faith Patrick also delivered strong pitching performances for the Lady Titans. When Miller County made contact, the defense behind them limited mistakes and played solid in the field.
“We played complementary softball, and it showed by taking both games,” McDaniel said.
LOA entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed after losing to Washington- Wilkes in the region finale. So, now, after winning in the first round, the Lady Titans (13-14) will hit the road to face top-seed Wheeler County (20-8). The Lady Bulldogs of Alamo swept No. 4 seed Manchester by scores of 12-0 and 22-1 in the first round.
LOA has never been to Columbus and will face a tough test, starting at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, in Alamo. Game two will be played at 6 p.m, with the “if” game taking place on Tuesday if necessary.
McDaniel believes his team is ready for the challenge. He said they just need to clean up a few things.
“Albeit we swept Miller County, I still reminded the girls that there were things and moments in the game that we must clean up in order to reach Columbus,” McDaniel said.