The Madison County Senior League girls all star softball team captured the District 7 title Friday night with a 13-9 win over Hart County.
Madison County will now advance to the state tournament, which begins July 16 in Bogart. An opening opponent has yet to be determined.
Hart defeated Madison County 2-1 in the opening game of the tournament. But Madison County bounced back with four-straight wins, defeating Toccoa 11-6 and Rabun County 7-3 before beating Hart County in the semifinals Thursday 9-8 and then again 13-9 Friday in the finals.
“They were awesome,” said Madison County manager Lance Wade of his team. “I put a lot of pressure on them. I believe in all of the girls. Sometimes they don’t believe they are, but they are awesome. It’s a good group. They never give up.”
Madison County’s championship win was a back-and-forth contest, just like the semifinals matchup. Madison County jumped ahead 8-2, but Hart County stormed back to tie the score at eight and force extra innings.
Tatum Harris and Cheyenne Pridgen slammed out-of-the-park homers for the winning team. But Madison County’s clutch hit of the night was a three-run triple in the top of the eighth inning by Megan Boswell to put Madison County up for good.
Pridgen and Kayla Argo pitched for Madison County Friday.
Wade praised the play of Kristen Crumley, who broke a knuckle on a foul ball early in the week. Crumley scored several runs for Madison County as a pinch runner during the week.
Team members include: Kristen Crumley, Casie Wade, Taylor Garrison, Elizabeth Stoyle, Megan Boswell, Tatum Harris, Brianna Morgan, Kayla Argo, Cheyenne Pridgen, Mallory Rogers. The team’s manager is Lance Wade. Coaches are Rodney Rogers and Mike Dorothy. Wade said that Jay Pridgen also provided considerable help for the team.
Also Friday, the Madison County 9-and-10-year-old softball all star team played for the District 7 championship, falling 10-0 to Toccoa.
Manager Dwayne Dickerson said his team struggled Friday but that he was proud of their efforts in the tournament.
“They showed great teamwork and had an excellent attitude,” said Dickerson. “It was hot during practice, but we had great attitudes from all the kids.”
