The Georgia Military College Prep varsity softball team is headed to the Elite 8.

The Lady Bulldogs staved off elimination Saturday to advance to the next round of the GHSA State Softball Tournament.

After defeating Bowden and Mt. Paran on Friday, the Lad Bulldogs took on No. 1 ranked Eagles Landing. The Lady Chargers scored one in the first, one in the third and one in the fifth. Chelsi Colburn took the loss, going six inning, striking out two, walking one and giving up all three runs.

The Lady Charger defense played well, allowing just one hit. Most of the credit goes to the ELCA pitcher, who averaged 68 miles-per-hour on her fastball and topped out at 72. Colburn picked up the only hit for GMC Prep.

The loss sent GMC Prep into the losers’ bracket where they faced off against Trion.

Trion went up 2-0 in the third, but the Lady Bulldogs cut the lead in half in the bottom of the frame. Kasey Durden singled and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Kaylee Fuller. Colburn then reached on an error and Alix Durden plated her sister on a sacrifice fly.

In the fifth GMC Prep opened up its first lead. Kaylee Johnson walked and Lauryn Dennard followed with a single. Kasey Durden then earned a free pass and Fuller plated Johnson with a single. Colburn singled again, scoring Dennard, and Brittany Wilson singled, scoring Kasey Durden and Fuller, giving the Lady Bulldogs a 5-2 lead and the eventual win.

Colburn picked up the win, improving her record to 18-4 on the year. She gave a complete game effort, striking out six and walking none.

The Lady Bulldogs now face off against No. 3 ranked Taylor County on Thursday at 5 p.m. GMC Prep has defeated Taylor twice this season — 1-0 and 2-1.

Harry Stevens contributed to this report.

The Union-Recorder sports department can be reached at (478) 453-1465 or sports@unionrecorder.com