After defeating Stratford in two of three game this past Saturday, the John Milledge Lady Trojans softball team is heading to the GISA final four in Cordele this Saturday to play for the state championship. The team shut out Stratford in game one at Southern Pines in Dublin 2-0, fell 6-2 in game two and closed out the victory in game three winning 4-1. Pitcher Macie Couey pitched a complete 7 inning game in games 1 and 3 and pitched 3 innings in game to for a total of 17 total innings, more than 16 strikeouts and 2 wins. Katie Murray pitched the remaining four innings in game two.

“Our pitching is one of our strong points and with righty and a lefty, it kind of messed with the other team,” said head coach Gordan Veal. “It actually worked out where Katie came in in the second game and threw a lot of offspeed stuff and it really helped in the third because it took them[Stratford] awhile to adjust back to Macie’s 60 mph stuff. Both did really well.”

Veal also credits catcher Kristin Satcher’s outstanding play.

“Kristin Satcher had the best three games that she’s played this year. That’s her best performance of the year defensively.”

Offensively, Macie Couey added a hit in each of the 3 games. Stacey Couey went 2-3 with an RBI in game one who Brooke Underwood got a hit for the other RBI.

In game two, Underwood had a double while Lynsey Rowland also added a hit.

Game three’s 4-1 victory was aided with hits from two hits by Lindsay Attaway and an RBI, a 2 RBI hit by Satcher, as well as hits from Rowland and Chelsea Williams.

“I’ve never seen our team step up like they did Saturday. Our communication on defense was unreal and we were talking and cheering. These kids wanted it. They got after it. The second game we were a little too relaxed but in the third game we started taking care of business again,” Veal said.

The Lady Trojans will play Tattnall Square in game one Saturday in the double elimination tournament. FPD and Westfield round out the four team tourney.

“Westfield is probably the favorite, but what better position to be in. I’d rather be the under dog.”

The Trojans last appearance in the final four was in 2006. The JMA Trojans won the state title in 2005.

“We went to the final four two years ago and won it all three years ago, but I haven't felt this good about a group since then. They’re special. If we go and play like we did on Saturday, I expect us to be there late.”