Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
The Wildcats will host the opening round of the state playoffs Wednesday with a doubleheader against Etowah with an overall 22-17 record. Richmond Hill have an unblemished 13-0 region record, claiming their first Class 7A Region 1 title since 2016.
The first game of the doubleheader will begin at 2:30. If the team splits the games, there will be a game Thursday at 2:30.
Richmond Hill ended its regular season with a 9-3 loss to Wayne County, breaking a six-game winning streak.
“Our final regular-season game didn't go our way, but overall, I believe we had an outstanding season,” said senior Lennon Monaco, who is hitting .340. “ We finished with a perfect record in the region, and the girls and l are incredibly proud to have hit such a milestone.
“Richmond Hill softball has been striving to achieve the title as region champions for the past decade, so it’s an amazing feeling to be part of something so significant.”
The Wildcats will meet Etowah, who finished their regular season with a 11-12 mark and a 9-5 region slate and a fourth-place finish in Class 7A Region 5. They ended their regular season with an 8-0 loss to Cherokee and lost two of their last three.”
Richmond Hill head coach Chris Jenkins isn’t taking Etowah lightly. The Wildcats defeated Mill Creek, 9-8 and 10-2, in the opening round last year, and they went on to a sixth-place finish in the state. Jenkins indicated that Gess Clark will pitch one of the first two games.
“They're a solid team, much better than what their record shows,” noted Jenkins. “Regardless, we have to focus on our dugout. If our minds are in the right spot, and stay there, we are a tough team to beat.”
In spite of an unknown opponent in Etowah, Lennon is confident her team will respond.
“Although we haven't faced them before and aren't entirely sure what they're capable of, I trust that our coaching staff has been studying film and thoroughly preparing us for anything Etowah brings to the table,” said Lennon. “As always, we will play with the same grit and intensity we've shown against every other team we've faced.
Teammate Ainsley Washington also has a positive outlook for her team and her own performance.
“I see my team doing well as we go into the postseason,” said Washington. “My season is going good, and I’m just trying to get back from a little slump with my hitting. Sometimes it can be difficult not knowing how you’re facing in the playoffs. But other than that, I think we’ll do good considering the practice that we have had.”
Lennon and her coach anticipate a deep run into the postseason.
“It's been a fun ride but we don’t plan on stopping yet,” said Lennon.
“Getting there and staying there is the biggest challenge when this time of year rolls around,” added Jenkins.