Ryleigh Hilsman

Morgan County senior ace Ryleigh Hilsman returned to the circle last week in the Sweet 16 series against Hart County during the fourth inning of game two after missing the entire regular season due to an injury. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Morgan County senior ace Ryleigh Hilsman returned to the circle last week in the Sweet 16 series against Hart County during the fourth inning of game two after missing the entire regular season due to an injury. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

COLUMBUS BOUND! Lady Dogs dominate Hart to advance to Elite Eight

The Morgan County Softball team recently earned its spot in Columbus for the Class 2A Elite Eight, aiming to defend its 2024 state championship.The Lady Dogs dominated their second-round playoff series against Hart County on Oct. 22, sweeping the series 12-0 and 14-0.
Morgan County junior Mary Faulker is one of the team’s most reliable players and was a key part of the successful postseason last year, which led to a state championship. LANCE McCURLEY/File photo

Morgan County junior Mary Faulker is one of the team’s most reliable players and was a key part of the successful postseason last year, which led to a state championship. LANCE McCURLEY/File photo

Lady Dogs capture third-straight region title, begin playoff run

Morgan County recently captured its third straight region championship under head coach Chad Pigg.The Lady Dogs finished region play with a 9-1 record, with their only loss coming to Jackson on Sept. 16.
Morgan County sophomore Kennedi Johenkins has been the team’s most reliable pitcher while senior ace Ryleigh H LANCE McCURLEY/Staff ilsman is out with an injury. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Morgan County sophomore Kennedi Johenkins has been the team’s most reliable pitcher while senior ace Ryleigh H LANCE McCURLEY/Staff ilsman is out with an injury. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Lady Dogs hold their own without star pitcher

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.
The Morgan County softball celebrates a huge victory after Kymora Smith (4) scored the game-winning run on a passed ball against Rockmart last Wednesday in the opening round of the Class AA Elite Eight tournament in Columbus. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

The Morgan County softball celebrates a huge victory after Kymora Smith (4) scored the game-winning run on a passed ball against Rockmart last Wednesday in the opening round of the Class AA Elite Eight tournament in Columbus. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Lady Dogs ‘make noise’ in Columbus, win state title

Morgan County softball coach Chad Pigg walked off the field Saturday in Columbus with a smile on his face.Pigg watched his players storm the field as his team secured an 8-3 victory over top-seed and reigning champion Appling County.
Emmy Moss (left) catches a routine pop-up in the seventh inning versus Oconee County. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Emmy Moss (left) catches a routine pop-up in the seventh inning versus Oconee County. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

SOFTBALL: Lady Dogs edge out Monroe Area, Oconee County

Morgan County defeated Monroe Area and Oconee County last week by one run each. The Lady Dogs improved to 3-1 overall after the two thrilling victories over two powerhouse Class AAA programs in the Lady Purple Hurricanes and Lady Warriors.