The ECI Lady Dawgs swept the sweet 16 round of the state playoffs Monday to advance to the Elite 8 and will defend their 2024 state championship. They defeated Clinch Co. in the opening game, 1-0 in a pitchers’ duel on Monday in extra innings and defeated the Panthers in the second game 8-0 to complete the sweep. Both pitchers were on their mark allowing a total of 5 hits along with 19 strikeouts during the opening game. Both teams had a runner in scoring position in the seventh inning but neither could get the first run across.
After the Panthers went down in order in the eighth, the Lady Dawgs scored the winning run after a leadoff single by Lola Walden who moved into scoring position on a sac by Charley Mitchell.
Getting singles for the Lady Dawgs in the first game Monday were, Lola Walden, Charley Mitchell and TT Smith. MK Durden stood in the circle for the Lady Dawgs, allowing just 2 hits, one walk, striking out 10 Panthers.
The Lady Dawgs sent the Panthers back to Homerville, winning the second game 8-0 to advance to the Elite 8. Line score and stats not available at press time.
Other teams that advanced to the Elite 8 round are familiar Columbus foe Lanier Co., Trion, Taylor Co., Wheeler Co., Baconton and Wilcox. Irwin Co. and Bryan Co. split their games on Monday. The winner of the game on Tuesday will complete the set of 8.
The Lady Dawgs will begin their defense of the 2024 championship Wednesday, October 29. They will face Baconton at 5:45 p.m.
Baconton advanced as the number 2 seed from region one with a record of 17-7 season record.
The Lady Dawgs arrive in Columbus as region 3 champions with a season record of 23-4.
