Lyons, GA. – November 4, 2024 | Coach Hayne Brant
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The Toombs County Lady Dawgs had an incredible run in the GHSA State Championship, battling fiercely through the semifinals to ultimately earn the State Runner-Up title, marking the first time in Toombs County Fast Pitch history that the Lady Dawgs reached the Elite 8 and brought home a second-place finish.
Winners Bracket Semifinal Game: Tough Loss to Gordon Lee
In their semifinal match against Gordon Lee, the Lady Dawgs showcased strong hitting with eight hits to match the Trojans’ seven, but fell short in an 8-0 loss. Taylor Bland and Nora Grace Mercer each contributed two hits, but the offensive effort wasn’t enough to overcome Gordon Lee’s late-game surge. Gordon Lee’s scoring began in the sixth inning and continued with a six-run explosion in the seventh. Shay Stringer pitched a determined game, striking out eight over six innings, but Gordon Lee capitalized with a few key hits and a grand slam late in the game. The Lady Dawgs fought hard but couldn’t match the Trojans’ timely scoring.
Third Place Game: Victory Over Bremen
After the tough semifinal loss, the Lady Dawgs bounced back with an impressive 5-2 win against Bremen, propelled by a powerful performance from Stringer on the mound and clutch hitting from the lineup. Stringer dominated, striking out 11 batters while allowing just two runs across seven innings. Aniston Powell and Casey Cantwell delivered big hits in the third inning, with Powell’s double scoring two and Cantwell’s double adding another. A wild pitch rounded out the inning’s scoring for Toombs County. Despite a two-run homer from Bremen, the Lady Dawgs’ early lead and strong defense held firm, securing the victory and setting them up for the final championship game against Gordon Lee.
Championship Game #1: Early Inning Push by Gordon Lee Ends Title Run
In the championship showdown, Gordon Lee jumped out to a quick lead with seven runs in the first inning, creating an early challenge for the Lady Dawgs. Despite the rough start, Toombs County rallied in spirit, with Stringer coming in for relief, pitching four and two-thirds innings and striking out six. The Lady Dawgs managed to get on the board with an RBI from Emerson Powell, and Stringer picked up a hit, but Gordon Lee’s early momentum proved too strong to overcome. The game ended in an 11-1 decision, with Gordon Lee claiming the championship title.
Toombs County’s historic season culminated in an exceptional State Runner-Up finish and a 28-4 record showcasing grit, resilience, and determination on the field. The Lady Dawgs will now set their sights on building on this milestone achievement in the seasons to come.
We would like to say thank you to our seven seniors, Casey Cantwell, Giana Hamlin, Autumn Jarriel, Nora Grace Mercer, Brinley Miller, Aniston Powell, and Shaylin Stringer for your contributions as Toombs County Bulldogs! You’ve all worked hard to set our program to a new level and we are grateful for each and everyone of you!
The Lady Dawgs will return home to a proud community that witnessed their remarkable journey and achievements this season, forever marking their place in Toombs County athletics. Congratulations to the Lady Dawgs on a season to remember!
