It state playoff time for softball, so Screven County is sure to be in the hunt.
    Tasked with replacing eight departed seniors from last season’s team, the 2011 squad hit the ground running and notched the No. 4 seed out of Region 3-AA.
    Today, the Lady Gamecocks (11-13) travel to Zebulon to take on Region 4-AA champion Pike County (19-6) in the first round of the GHSA playoffs. The first game of today’s doubleheader will begin at 4 p.m., with the second game starting 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first.
Armed with a top seed and home field advantage, the Lady Pirates may be favored, but Screven has a chip on its shoulder as it looks to get some payback against the team that eliminated it from the postseason last
year.
    “We’ve talked about it a little with the girls,” said Screven assistant coach J.R. Doyle. “We certainly remember last season and want to win, but at the same time, there are a lot of new girls that will be playing in the playoffs for the first time.”
    Much of the Gamecock’s hopes will be riding on junior pitcher Dawn Stewart, who will likely get the start in both games today. Though this is her first year as the ace of the pitching staff, Stewart has been handed the ball in many big games in her three years on the team.
    Elsewhere, Screven’s game plan remains — play solid defense, and put pressure on the Pirates when at bat.
    “It’s fundamentals that we’ve really been stressing,” said Doyle. “All of our girls know that not matter who is playing where, we expect them to make the play. Doing the little things right every time is what will put us in position to win.”
    The winner of the series will advance to take on either Tattnall County or Thomasville in the second round.
    If the teams split today’s doubleheader, the third and final game of the series will be held Thursday in Zebulon.

    Mike Anthony can be reached at (912) 489-9404.