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Softball region champs
First time in school history for softball team
3 Varsity Softball pic1
The Dawson County High School Lady Tigers softball team won the Region 7-AAA title last week. The championship was the first in school history for the sport. The team will host No. 4 seed East Jackson at home today. The best-of-three series is set for 3 p.m. at Jack Waldrip Field. - photo by Pam Jacobs Dawson Community News

For the first time in school history the Dawson County softball team has captured a region title.

Last week, Head Coach Jimmy Pruett's varsity softball team defeated Franklin County, 10-1, in a semi-final game and then came back later in the day to defeat Lumpkin County, 3-1, to take the Region 7-AAA crown.

Dawson County started fast pitch softball in 2001.

"I was just excited for the girls," Pruett said. "Our players have worked so hard for this moment. They were all elated to be part of history."

Pruett's teams have been region runners-up three times in the last few years.

So the Oct. 8 win brought a lot of emotion.
"I am so happy for our kids. They really deserve this title. We now will enjoy this for a few days before state tournament play begins," Pruett said. "We will not change much in preparation. We are who we are at this point in the season."

Senior pitcher Joy Lewis pitched two great games for the Lady Tigers.

Tabitha Morrison and Katelynn Simpson both smacked home runs during the day.

Emily Hunsucker had two huge RBIs in the win against Lumpkin County.

But the key to victory was the defense.

In both region tournament games not an error was made.

"The defense came up strong behind Joy (Lewis)," Pruett said. "We didn't misplay a ball all afternoon."

Dawson County will now host the first round playoff games at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Oct. 15 at Jack Waldrip Field. If the teams split on Wednesday the "if" game will be played at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 16.

The Lady Tigers will face the No. 4 seed out of Region 8-AAA, which will be East Jackson.

East Jackson is coached by Brent Howell.

The Eagles finished the season with a 13-12 record and were 4-8 in region play. The team lost to Morgan County, 10-2, and Jackson County, 11-1, in their region tournament to finish in fourth place.

Coming out of region 8-AAA play were Jackson County (No. 1), Oconee County (No. 2) and Morgan County (No. 3).

"It will be a tough match-up for us," Pruett said. "If we continue to play defense and put the ball in play, I really like our chances."

If Dawson County advances past East Jackson, then they will play host to either Cedartown, Region 5-AAA, or Sonoraville from Region 6-AAA.