The softball season came to an end for nine Dawson County seniors last week in Ringgold.

The Lady Tigers lost both games of a doubleheader, 1-0 and 11-0, to close the careers of Jenna Abbott, Samantha Moulder, Carly Gilreath, Gracie Hovan, Becca Monkus, Taylor Shirley, Taylor Willoughby, Kenna Seitz and Natalie Burt.

"The seniors were great," said head coach Jimmy Pruett. "They led by example, worked extremely hard and were successful on the field. We are going to lose a ton of experience."

Dawson County finished the season with an overall record of 19-10-1.

Ringgold moved on to the Elite Eight in Columbus. Coach Rachel Hodge's team has a 28-6 overall record.

Joining Ringgold in the round of eight are: Jackson County, Buford, Blessed Trinity, Jackson, Chapel Hill, Pike County and Central Carrollton.

It was a bitter end to a visit to the Sweet Sixteen for Dawson County.

Abbott pitched a one-hitter for the Lady Tigers in the first game. Abbott recorded 10 strike outs with only one walk, but lost the 1-0 decision.

The fourth inning was the downfall of Dawson County.

An error at third and one in left field, on the same play, allowed Ringgold's Devan Brown to reach third base. Abbott rebounded to strike out the next two hitters, but a single by Lacey Loy drove in Brown from third.

It was the only run of the game for either team.

Dawson County's offense managed only one hit off Ringgold pitcher Brittany Portwood.

Portwood retired the first 11 Dawson County hitters before Abbott singled in the fourth inning.

No other Lady Tiger reached base in the game.

Portwood pitched a 7-inning, complete game with three strikeouts.

"The first game was tough, Jenna pitched a great game and gave up an unearned run for the only score of the game. We didn't hit all day, and when we did, Ringgold made all the plays," Pruett said.

After the emotional first game loss, the Lady Tigers lost 11-0 in the second game of the doubleheader.

Dawson County only recorded three hits against Ringgold pitcher Abby McKinney.

Abbott had two of those hits, both doubles. The other hit came off the bat of Joy Lewis.

McKinney finished the game with seven strikeouts and only two walks in five innings, the game was stopped due to the mercy rule.

Martie Rogers took the loss for Dawson County. Rogers gave up 11 hits and three walks while striking out two batters.

"Despite losing in the second round of the state playoffs, I still feel like our season was a success," Pruett said.

"To make it to the second round is something to be very proud of. We finished the regular season as the No. 1 seed in the region tournament, defeating five-time state champion Buford, and swept Woodward in the first round of state. We also won the Lanier Point tournament at the beginning of the season. I thought we had a very good year."