ECA Lady Eagles lose state playoff series

The Excel Christian Academy softball team lost both games of their GHSA Class A Private first round state playoff doubleheader Wednesday. First Presbyterian of Macon won by scores of 10-1 and 5-1.

"The girls played really well in that second game," said ECA coach Eric Harris. "They had a senior pitcher that threw really well and may have been the best we've seen all year," Harris added. Brighton McCollum and Lindsay Mauldin were both 2-for-2 in the opening loss. Mauldin drove in the Lady Eagles only run. Excel -- playing as the home team in Game 2 -- took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth on a Whitney Harris RBI single, but First Presbyterian answered with three runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh to put the game away.

Hannah Cauthen, Tessa Thornbrough, and Harris had the Lady Eagles' hits in the nightcap.

"Taylor Gibson gave us another great effort on the mound in Game 2 and we played some solid defense behind her," noted Harris. "I'm pleased with how the girls overcame some early season adversity and played with great effort all year long. It was a good year." Harris concluded. The Lady Eagles finished their season 15-14.