Softball girls go 8-0 in summer

“Last year we were trying to learn how to win,” Goodwin said, “This year we are learning to play every pitch. We had several young kids step up and show they are ready for high school.”

Following the tryouts this week, the Lady Leopards host Chestatee next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The game against the triple-A War Eagles kicks off the season for the girls.

The team will look to hold onto their momentum that started during the summer as they push back to the state playoffs in October.

Last week, the girls finished out July with their perfect 8-0 record chalking up victories over Habersham, East Jackson, East Hall, West Hall, Jackson County, Commerce and Franklin County.

This season, Banks County plays in the 8A division of class AA along with Dawson, East Hall, Fannin, Rabun and Union.

On the other side of the region, Elbert, Hart, Jackson, Jefferson, Oglethorpe, North Oconee and East Jackson compete. A final schedule will be posted online at www.mainstreetnewssports.com when it becomes available.

Last season, the Lady Leopards went 25-12 and ended in the state playoffs.

This year, Goodwin has already said that he wants a return trip to the playoffs and to have the girls raise the trophy at the end.

With a majority of returning players and a strong senior class, the Lady Leopards are set to come out swinging.