10-under girls bring home first state championship

On Friday, the girls faced a big Bowden team. Dodge jumped out on top 4 to 0 in the first inning with Faith Manning’s triple and Allie Parkerson’s double. Great defensive plays by Taylor Cranford at shortstop and Kiley Dix in left field held the Bowden teams scoreless after 2 innings. In the bottom of the 4th Dodge’s bats came to life as they pushed 5 runs across the plate. Haleigh Pavesich beat out a bunt allowing two runs to cross the plate. Dodge’s defense would retire Bowden in order to walk away with an 11 to 2 victory in 5 innings.

Friday night the girls faced a tough Trion team who had previously beat Bryan Co., one of the favorites in the tournament. Dodge jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, cruising to an easy 12 to 2 victory. Great defensive play by Caitlyn Gooch throwing out a runner at second from right field and a great catch by Macy Rogers pumped the girls up. With this victory the girls were one win away from bringing home the state championship trophy.

Arriving at the park early to watch the game to determine whom they would play, the girls were pumped and ready. It was clear they would be facing a tough Bryan County team as they were putting a pounding on Trion. Coaches Brian Perdue, Jamey Blackwell and Heath Holloway took them to the lower field for a good workout and a pep talk. The parents and other relatives were getting just as excited and nervous as they eagerly awaited the start of the most important game of the year. As the girls were headed up the walkway to the field, the parents rallied around them and formed a line cheering them on to the dugout. This got the girls pumped up even more. Having lost the toss, the girls would have to really rely on their defense the last inning if it were close.

In the first inning, things didn’t look too good as Bryan’s defense stopped the girls from scoring. Some great defensive play by Dodge also held Bryan scoreless. In the second inning Dodge managed to push three runs across the plate, and in the bottom of the inning held Bryan scoreless again. In the third inning, Dodge pushed three more runs across with some outstanding hitting by Briana Perdue who went 3 for 3 in the game. Defense held again as Bryan was scoreless in the inning. In the bottom of the third inning, Bryan managed to score a run but a great defensive catch behind the plate by Kaylee Peterson ended the rally. Dodge added two more runs in the fifth inning as they were up by a score of 8 to 3. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Bryan’s bats came to life as they scored two more runs and had a runner on second with two outs. Tension was rising as the fans were on their feet cheering the girls for one more out. Haley Holloway snagged a hard hit line drive and Dodge had won their first State Championship ever for the Dodge 10U girls.

State Champions from Chuck Eckles on Vimeo.

Plans were quickly underway for a celebration the girls would never forget. First, a deputy met them at the Dodge/Bleckley County line for an escort into town. They were lead to the courthouse, where friends and relatives met them. Once there, the girls were loaded onto a fire truck and paraded through town. Thanks to all who attended and supported the girls throughout this unforgettable season.