The LHS Vikettes softball team had their lucky hats at the ready, but came nowhere close to needing them in a two game sweep of Newton County last night, in the first round of state play-offs.

In fact, they only needed 11 innings to make two statement wins, with the Vikettes run-ruling both match-ups, winning 9-0 in five innings in game one and 11-1 in a six-inning game two. Big bats backed up the arm of junior pitcher, Jolee Camp, who allowed Newton only one run on five hits and two walks, while notching 13 strike-outs on the evening.

“It seems like we are clicking on all cylinders right now and putting it  all together,” says Head Coach Stewart Thomas when asked how he views the team. “The road is never easy, as we play in the highest classification, in one of the best states for softball, but I’m not sure anyone wants to come down and play us right now.”  

Game One Highlights 9-0:

Lowndes went to work quickly at the plate, scoring four in both the first and second innings. They added another run in the fourth in a contest where GHSA rules state at least five innings must be played. Freshmen Madison VanAllen, Ariel Reaves, and Dallas Brooks came up big, each going 2/3 on the game, accounting for four of the runs. Senior Lexi Metts lit it up with a 3-run bomb over the left field fence in the first inning.

Game Two Highlights 11-1:

Senior 3rd basemen and Mercer University commit, Tori Hedgecock led the way at the plate, going 3/3, including a long homerun over center field, along with a double, knocking in six runs for the game. Senior Katelyn Lane went 2/4 with 3 RBI’s and freshman Ariel Reaves also went 2/4 adding another RBI to her total for the night.

The Vikettes advance to round two of the state play-offs, hosting North Paulding at Morris Coates Field this Friday. Games are scheduled for 4 pm and 6 pm, with a “if neccessary” game on Saturday.