Ridgeland Softball Back in Elite Eight in Columbus For First Time in 13 Years

Rossville, GA-(WDEF) Several of our local Georgia high school softball teams begin play in the Elite Eight tomorrow in Columbus, including Ridgeland.
Despite some successful teams in recent years, the Lady Panthers are returning to Columbus for the first time since 2003.
Ridgeland coach Richie Wood says punching your ticket to Columbus is a little easier when you win your region title.
Said Wood:”We finished first in the region so we got to host all the playoff games at home. That helps a lot. Last year we had a fine team, and we went down to Wayne County, and it was a long drive and that seemed to change a few of the things we were able to do.”
Said pitcher Allison Wallin:”We finally get to do it. We made it to the Sweet 16 for two years. Then this year we finally take it a step farther.”
The Lady Panthers are going to Columbus, even though ten of the 21 players on their roster are freshmen.
Said pitcher Morgan Crawford:”I think it says a lot. We also have only 3 seniors, so we are a younger team. It does take a lot of hard work.”
Added catcher Cortney Mooneyham:”It has been very stressful, but then I think they (freshmen) finally got the grasp of how much it means to us and this season. We can do great things, and I think they realize that.”
You can also do great things with candy. The Lady Panthers get Skittles if they reach first base.
Said Crawford:”Quality at-bat is what we call it. If you have a quality at-bat, where you move runners or get on or get a hit, coach will give you Skittles.”
Reporter:”Seems like if you hit a double or a triple, you lose out on the reward.”
Said Wood:”We get you once you get to he dugout. We have a bag over there.”
According to Coach Wood, Ridgeland won two state titles in slow pitch softball, so this year’s team could become the first in school history to win a fast pitch state title.
Said Mooneyham:”I couldn’t think of anything better honestly. It’s so exciting, I can’t even focus like in school. I’m so ready for this day to be here.”