Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Richmond Hill’s Annalyah Estevez and her teammates anticipated a tight series with ninth-ranked Dacula in the GHSA state Sweet 16 matchup. And it lived up to its expectations.

The eighth-ranked Wildcats split the opening doubleheader - winning 5-4 and then losing 3-2 - but they captured the deciding game, 4-2, on their home field Oct. 22.

With the win, Richmond Hill (25-8) advanced to the Class 7A Region 1 Elite Eight and will meet Buford in a doubleheader Wednesday in Columbus. They finished sixth in the state tournament last year.

“Coming into the series, we knew this was going to be tough because the rankings were very close,” explained Estevez, who had a game-winning single in the first game. “Dacula played hard and gave us a run for our money. The first two games were neck-and-neck, so we knew coming into Thursday’s game, we knew our bats would have to be on it.”

In the final game, freshman Delaney McDonald broke a scoreless tie in the fifth when she belated a two-run homer. Junior pitcher Gessilyn Clark plated a two-run single the following inning, scoring seniors Maggie Reynolds and Ashella Matias, who pulled off a double steal.

Clark, who pitched her fifth complete game in the postseason, has seen this campaign as an evolving one. She took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in the final game.

“This season definitely has tested our mental toughness and determination, especially in the moments when things weren’t going our way,’ reflected Clark. “I think one of the biggest things that took our team to another level was learning how to trust each other and stay locked in, even when things got tough.”

On the mound, Clark has been pleased with progress.

“I feel like my season has gone really well, and I’ve grown a lot as a pitcher,” said Clark. “I definitely feel more confident and consistent now than I did at the beginning of the season. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to handle pressure in big moments.”

Head coach Chris Jenkins was proud of any combined team effort.

“Gess had a great game, took a perfect game into the 5th and no-hitter into the 7th,” said Jenkins. “She also drove in the winning runs. Aryianna Bigford threw out the potential tying run trying to steal second to end the game.

“We can be a tough team when we pull it all together.”

Senior Lennon Monaco has watched her team’s cohesiveness and confidence grow exponentially.

“This series was definitely a challenge for us,” said Monaco. “ We faced a great team, but as long as we keep our energy up in the dugout, maintain solid defense, and stay competitive at the plate, I believe we can hold our own against just about anyone.”

A lifelong bond has made it easier.

“Team chemistry is a huge factor as well,” added Monaco. “Most of us have been playing together since 8-U, so the bond and trust we share are strong. Ever since middle-school ball, we've always pushed forward with the same goal in mind.

“This year, we had a challenging schedule, facing many strong teams. The game against South Effingham was definitely one of the toughest we've had. But we were content with both of the outcomes.”

Estevez cited their recent victory over Etowha in the opening round of the playoffs as a turning point. She and her teammates have certainly enjoyed the ride.

“The game that really got everyone together was the game against Etowah,” recalled Estevez. “During our regular season, we struggled to stay locked in the game and cheer for those up to bat. During the Etowah game, we were nonstop cheering, the little things like that make the whole team feel better about the game’s outcomes.

“I feel my season has gone well so far. This is definitely the best season I’ve experienced so far since being on the high school team.”