Varsity softball’s 7-game winning streak ended last week as the Panthers fell to Central Carrollton, 8-1.
Despite the loss, the team is poised for a return to the GHSA state playoffs for the first time since winning the state championship in 2021.
“We’re at a good standing point,” sophomore centerfielder Haylee Flassig said. “I feel like to make it through playoffs we just need to bond more. Teamwork is always about a team, not just one person.”
The team has been strengthening through a strong sophomore-led defense. On the offense side of things, current power-hitters have been key in recent games. With a homerun in the fifth inning, junior Olivia Irwin scored the team’s only run in the game against Central.
“I never try to hit homeruns. I’m just trying to hit the ball hard and square it up,” Irwin said. “Thank goodness I got my pitch to hit, so then it was just easy to get my hands through the ball, and it went.”
Prior to the loss, Starr’s Mill had won three consecutive region games. The Panthers now sit in the fourth and final playoff spot in the region.
“For the last couple years we have not been able to do that,” Dean said. “Just being mentally stronger and believing in themselves that they’re better and going from there [will help them].”
After two more region losses, Starr’s Mill defeated Newnan on senior night, 13-1. The team is now 17-9 overall with one game left in the regular season. The Panthers travel to Jonesboro on October 6 for a game that begins at 5:30 p.m.