“Well that’s our ultimate goal,” she said. “I feel like the senior class is on a mission. That’s the only thing they haven’t accomplished as a class.”
Not only have the Mill Creek seniors brought home three region championships, but they have come tantalizingly close to capturing a state title – twice.
Twice the Lady Hawks have made it to the Elite 8 and twice they have walked away with a third place finish.
Not this year says Mill Creek senior Lauren Stimis. Stimis said winning state is the only thing that will satisfy her as she finishes her high school career with the Lady Hawks.
"It's everything. I want it so bad," she said. “[The seniors are] going to go out with a bang so we've got to win state."
Stimis, an outfielder, said she plans to work hard this year to see that the Lady Hawks accomplish their goals.
"Personally, I'm looking forward to doing my best and just contributing to the team as much as I can,” she said. “As a team, I think we'll do well and that we'll work together and win the state championship."
Teammate Alex Rogers agrees.
"[Winning state has] been our goal the whole time, but this year I think we're ready for it. We've trained and we've worked really hard and I think we can get it this year," Rogers said.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Mill Creek fields three softball teams: varsity, junior varsity and a ninth-grade team. Murdock said all three teams look strong heading into the 2008 season.
“I’m really excited about the freshman class,” she said. “The freshmen kids came out and worked really hard. We’re going to have three competitive teams.”
Competitive may be an understatement for the varsity team.
Seven of the Lady Hawks’ eight returning starters are seniors. Not only do the seniors have playing experience, they have motivation.
“I’ve got a really big, really good senior class,” Murdock said.
Though winning state is a very ambitious goal, Murdock seems confident that her team, and the seniors in particular, have chosen the right objective.
“I think that any goal other than that would just not be worth it,” she said.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Murdock is very proud of all her players, but is particularly pleased with this year’s graduating class.
“All eight of them have done tremendous things,” she said. “They’ve been all-county, all –region, a couple of them have been all-state, they’ve won numerous awards.”
The seniors include outfielders Alex Rogers, Lauren Stimis and Suzee Mills, catcher Devin Dossman, first baseman Cynthia Parkhurst, second baseman Amberlie Saxton, shortstop Hannah Graham, and pitcher Morgan Bullock.
Three of the seniors have already committed to play college softball. Saxton will go to the University of Georgia after graduating Mill Creek. Graham heads for Kennesaw State University and Bullock is bound for Florida State University.
UP NEXT
Fall practices are well underway for the Lady Hawks. The teams’ first scrimmage was Tuesday against Brookwood. The first official game is scheduled for August 20 followed by the start of region play on August 25 against South Forsyth.
Mill Creek senior Devin Dossman hopes the fans will come out and watch the Lady Hawks as they begin their quest for a state championship.
“Softball is the greatest sport to watch,” she said. “We're fun and entertaining. We're a good team and we'll put on a good show."
