The David Emanuel Academy varsity Lady Eagles are state champions! DEA defeated the Fullington Academy varsity Trojans 6-3 on Saturday afternoon, October 17, at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus to claim the state title.
The Lady Eagles battled through a challenging tournament that began Thursday, October 15, and finished with an impressive championship performance. DEA defeated Crisp Academy and Citizens Christian Academy before facing Fullington Academy in a series of games that included both victories and a hard-fought loss.
Championship Game: DEA 6, Fullington Academy 3
The Lady Eagles secured the state championship with a 6-3 victory over Fullington Academy on Saturday afternoon.
DEA got onto the scoreboard in the top of the second inning as Evie Moore doubled down the left-field line, Mary Bess Fields doubled to right field, Aubrey Scott tripled to right field, and Kaley Flowers tripled down the right-field line. Each hit drove in a run, giving the Lady Eagles a strong start.
Rayleigh Faircloth earned the win, pitching all seven innings. She allowed five hits and three runs, two of them earned, while striking out eight batters and walking one.
The Lady Eagles recorded 10 hits in the championship game. Flowers, Payton Peebles and Fields collected two hits apiece. Flowers, Faircloth, Scott, Emily McRae, Moore and Fields each drove in a run.
Saturday's First Game: DEA 5, Fullington Academy 2
Earlier Saturday, the Lady Eagles defeated Fullington Academy 5-2.
DEA took control in the top of the fourth inning when McRae singled to center field, Moore was hit by a pitch, Fields walked and Scott walked, with each play bringing home a run.
Faircloth pitched a complete game to earn the victory, allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out six and walking one.
McRae led the team with two runs batted in and went 2-for-3 at the plate. McRae and Kate Yeomans each recorded two hits. Faircloth also stole two bases as DEA finished with four stolen bases and turned one double play.
Friday's Second Game: Fullington Academy 5, DEA 4
The Lady Eagles battled back after falling behind by four runs but came up just short in a 5-4 loss to Fullington Academy on Friday, October 16.
DEA narrowed the deficit with a home run and a single. Faircloth hit a two-run home run to center field in the top of the fourth inning, helping the Lady Eagles mount their comeback.
Faircloth and McRae each drove in two runs, while Scott led the offense with two hits in four at-bats.
Friday's First Game: DEA 6, Citizens Christian Academy 0
Faircloth delivered a complete-game shutout Friday as the Lady Eagles defeated the Citizens Christian Academy Varsity Lady Patriots 6-0.
Faircloth opened the scoring with a single in the top of the first inning. Moore followed with a two-run home run to right field in the second inning.
DEA collected 10 hits in the victory. Faircloth led the offense with three hits in four at-bats, while Flowers added two hits. Moore drove in two runs, and McRae stole three bases as the Lady Eagles finished with four stolen bases.
Thursday's Second Game: DEA 7, Citizens Christian Academy 0
The Lady Eagles continued their strong pitching and defensive performance Thursday, October 15, with a 7-0 victory over Citizens Christian Academy.
Faircloth held the Lady Patriots to five hits and did not allow a run. She helped DEA take an early lead with a first-inning single, and a walk by Scott, along with an error.
Flowers, Faircloth, Peebles and Scott each drove in a run. The Eagles stole four bases and played error-free defense, with Moore having the most fielding chances with eight.
Thursday's First Game: DEA 17, Crisp Academy 0
The Lady Eagles opened the tournament with a dominant 17-0 victory over the Crisp Academy varsity Wildcats on Thursday.
DEA exploded for 17 runs in the first inning, overwhelming Crisp Academy with timely hitting, patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning.
Peebles led the offensive attack, driving in four runs on two hits, including a double and a single. Starley also contributed a key hit that drove in three runs, while Flowers tripled and drove in two runs.
Flowers, Peebles and McRae each collected two hits. The Lady Eagles had nine walks and committed no errors.
Faircloth earned the win, allowing no hits or runs in two innings while striking out four. Sydney Lively pitched one inning in relief, allowing one hit and recording one strikeout.
Congratulations to the David Emanuel Academy Lady Eagles on bringing home the state championship!!
