Northern senior softball takes home state title

The Northern senior softball team took care of business in the District 8 tournament in Columbus. Once the team moved on to the state tournament, it proved it was up for that challenge, too.

Northern posted a perfect 3-0 record in the state tournament held in Warner Robins to win Georgia’s senior softball division. As a result of the team’s success, Northern moves on to play in the Southeast Regional Senior League Softball Tournament in Salisbury, N.C.

Northern opened its play in the state tournament against West Point. The game was a back-and-forth affair, but thanks to the scoring efforts of Anna Lovell, Kayla Jackson, Alex Sibold, Cameryn Lovett and Olivia Hinton, Northern prevailed 8-7. Northern returned to play the next day against Vine Ingle and shellacked its opponent to the tune of a 20-7 victory.

Northern had a rematch with West Point in the could-be championship game. Even though Northern had some breathing room in the double-elimination tournament, it turned out it didn’t need it.

Haley Johnson hit a ball off the center-field fence in the first inning to set the tone for the rest of the game. Maggie Mock delivered two clutch hits that scored Northern runs, while Kayla Jackson stole four bases and scored twice. Pitcher Emily Davis threw a complete game, which culminated in a strikeout in the final frame to clinch an 8-4 victory.

Northern, which is led by manager Earnie Davis and coaches Bob Hinton and Gil Slouchik, is back in action Friday in the Southeast Regionals. It opens play against Florida.

This story was originally published July 20, 2017 at 5:58 PM with the headline "Northern senior softball takes home state title."