Lady Cougars Advance in State Tourney
The Piedmont Academy softball team traveled a long way from home for the opening round of the GISA Class AA state tournament, but the ride back to Monticello was certainly an enjoyable one.
The Lady Cougars swept Georgia Christian of Valdosta 3-2 and 8-0 in a doubleheader played Monday. Piedmont will now travel to Thomas Jefferson today, Oct. 10, for a quarterfinal matchup.
“Georgia Christian was a tough match-up,” coach Danny Camp said. “We knew what we were up against. They made the routine plays and both games were really good contests.”
In the opener Monday, Emily Hammonds, Cheyenne Galloway and O’Neil Sealy paced the Lady Cougars in what was a tough contest for offense. Piedmont had only three hits while Georgia Christian managed two.
Carla Martin turned in her usual strong performance in recording the win. Martin went all seven innings and recorded four strikeouts. Of the 68 pitches she threw, Martin fired 51 for strikes.
In the second contest, Piedmont was able to generate more offense. Hammonds was 2-for-4 with a run and RBI while Amelia Dodson and Galloway were both 1-for-3 with a run. Galloway also drove in a run.
Taylor Swart was 1-for-3 while Remington Marsh finished 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs. Anna Jones finished 1-for-2 with a run and Matti Smith was 2-for-3 with a run and RBI.
Martin notched four strikeouts in the second and deciding contest.
“She threw exceptionally well,” Camp said. “Coach (Dan) Funt did a great job calling pitches and Carla hit her spots. Overall, we did what we needed to do.”
While Piedmont was a No. 3 seed and Georgia Christian was a No. 2 seed, the Lady Cougars benefited from a tough schedule throughout the regular season.
“Being down 2-0 early in the first game and then being able to come back was a product of our tough schedule,” Camp said. “It was not the first time we’ve been in that situation.”
The Piedmont coach said the opening-round series was played in a “great atmosphere” with Georgia Christian having a lively student section.
Jones, one of the team’s seniors, also had a great defensive catch in the outfield.
Piedmont was to begin play against Thomas Jefferson Thursday at 11 a.m.
“It will be a good matchup,” Camp said. “They are the No. 1 seed from their region. Jefferson competes in Region 1-AA.
Piedmont is now 22-8-1 overall and is on a nine-game winning streak. The Lady Cougars closed out the regular season last Thursday by sweeping the Gwinnett Lady Barons 11-1 and 4-2.