Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Richmond Hill head softball coach Chris Jenkins is watching his team come full circle. On Tuesday afternoon, the Wildcats won their seventh straight game as they swept a doubleheader from Lowndes County, 5-3 and 13-3. The victories raised the Wildcats' overall record to 8-2, and it also was their first two wins in Class 7A region play.

“We were confident we would be competitive again, but we've gone about it a different way than expected,” said Jenkins. “Pitching and defense were expected to be areas where we excelled, and we've ended up winning games with our bats.”

Against Lowndes County, Ainsley Washington hit two home runs. Ahnalaya Estevez had multiple hits in both games, and Aubrey Ragins and Lennon Monaco had several RBIs.

Gess Clark was the winning pitcher in game one and Scarlett Parkerson in game two. Both threw complete games.

Washington, a senior outfielder, likes the state of her play as well as her team.

“I see myself playing very well right now,” said Washington. “I hope to keep on the same path as I am. My team has done a very good job offensively and defensively and if we keep that up, we will get far.”

Jenkins has been impressed with his team’s pitching all season. But now he is beginning to see a total squad effort in every phase of their game that can take them deep into the postseason.

“Gess Clark has been great in the circle,” said Jenkins. “Ainsley Washington is leading us statistically, but our offense has been a group effort, with different players stepping up every game.

“Pitching has been solid, so as soon as we cut down on mistakes and get back to playing the type of defense we're used to playing, we could be a tough team to beat.”