Lady Cougars Softball Looks for More Success

The Piedmont Academy varsity fast-pitch softball team won the ultimate goal last season and the Lady Cougars are hoping for more success in 2021.

Piedmont won the GISA Class AA championship last fall and will begin their title defense on Monday, Aug. 2 with a home doubleheader against Bulloch Academy at 4 p.m. The Lady Cougars will then host Brentwood on August 5 in a rematch of last season’s semifinal series.

The team has been preparing for the new season for several weeks under the direction of coach John Johnson. The coach said a solid nucleus of players return along with some talented newcomers.

“Practice has been going well,” Johnson said. “We are just trying to keep the rain away. We have some good players fighting for starting positions which makes for some intense practices. It has been a lot of fun so far trying to stay focused and get better each day.”

Johnson has noted the team could have more speed in 2021 and that overall, the players are stronger.

Piedmont defeated Briarwood in the championship series last season. Johnson said he expects the Lady Buccaneers to be strong once more in 2021.

The team returns some key statistical leaders for the 2021 season. All-Region players Fleming Sealy, Maddie Waddleton, Averi Camp and Emily McEwen each return. Camp and McEwen were also named to the All-State team last season.

Camp had an earned run average of 2.33 in the pitcher’s circle with 26 strikeouts. McEwen pitched 48 innings with a 1.17 ERA and 22 strikeouts.

Sealy batted .392 and scored 10 runs with 24 RBI. Waddleton finished with a .433 batting average and scored 17 runs while driving in 21.

“We still have a few weeks before our season opener to get more practice time on the field and see how we stack up,” Johnson said.