Lady Bulldogs Into Elite 8

Courtesy of tCHS

The Toombs County High School Lady Bulldogs softball team is heading back to Columbus after sweeping their best-of-three series over Heard County last week. The Bulldogs are the #1 team in the State and will be heading to the Elite 8 Tournament beginning on Wednesday of this week.

Game 1

The Toombs County Lady Dawgs kicked off their Sweet 16 series against the Heard County Braves with a dominant 7-2 win, led by an impressive performance from pitcher Shay Stringer. Stringer struck out 13 batters, allowing only one hit and two runs over seven innings, though she gave up eight walks. Despite the walks, Stringer’s resilience in the circle was crucial for the Lady Dawgs.

Toombs County wasted no time establishing an early lead in the bottom of the first. Cyleigh Ennis grounded out to drive in a run, then Stringer hit a two-run homer to center field. The inning continued with a walk that scored Natalie Quintero, an error that brought in another run, and a single from Nora Grace Mercer to extend the lead. The Lady Dawgs added to their lead with a solo home run to center from Ennis in the second inning, pushing the score to 7-2.

Ennis powered the offense, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Stringer, Ennis, and Emerson Powell each contributed two hits. Toombs County’s patient approach at the plate was evident, drawing continued from page

five walks and keeping the Braves’ defense on its toes.

Game 2

The Lady Dawgs continued their momentum in Game 2, besting the Braves 8-4 to secure their spot in the Elite 8 in Columbus. Toombs County struck early, scoring three runs in the first inning. Stringer doubled to drive in two, and Brinley Miller singled to add another, giving the Bulldogs an early cushion. In the second inning, Mercer grounded into a fielder’s choice, adding another run and extending the Lady Dawgs’ lead.

Pitcher Casey Cantwell took the circle for Toombs County, allowing eight hits and four runs over five innings with four strikeouts. Stringer came in to collect the save, keeping the Braves at bay. Offensively, the Lady Dawgs tallied 14 hits. Taylor Bland, Cyleigh Ennis, Emerson Powell, Cantwell, Mercer, and Aniston Powell each contributed two hits, with Stringer and Cantwell driving in two runs apiece.

The series sweep over Heard County not only marked a hard-fought Sweet 16 victory but also earned the Lady Dawgs their second consecutive trip to the Elite 8 in Columbus. TCHS will play their first game against ACE Charter on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. If they win that game, they will move on to Thursday at 1:00 p.m. against the winner of the Banks County and Haralson County game.