SYLVANIA — When the 2011 softball season began, Screven County had more questions than answers.
    Seven seniors — who had combined to make four deep runs into the state playoffs during their tenure — were gone, leaving many inexperienced and untested underclassmen to be charged with the task of continuing the school’s success.
    Undaunted, the Lady Gamecocks have soldiered through and with the Region 3-AA tournament set to begin today, Screven remains as one of six teams vying for the region’s four state playoff bids.
    “I’m proud of how our girls have played this season,” said Screven coach Billy Pollock. “It’s good to be here, but we want to keep going. It’s always our goal to make the state playoffs, so we need a win over East Laurens to accomplish that, but once everything is over this year, I think that we’ll look back on it as a very good one.”
    Today, the Gamecocks can clinch a spot in the state playoff field with a doubleheader sweep of East Laurens. The second and third place teams from the respective sub-regions of Region 3-AA are squaring off in three-game series today and Friday, with two teams slated to advance in the region tournament to determine state seeding and two more destined to spend the postseason at home.
    Although its series with East Laurens is do-or-die, the Gamecocks have to be feeling confident. Despite a 9-9 overall record this season, Screven has dropped just one game to region competition all season.
    “We’ve faced some good competition this season,” said Pollock. “I like to challenge my team, and this year hasn’t been any different.”
    In the first game – scheduled for 4 p.m. – Screven will send ace pitcher Dawn Stewart to the mound. Stewart has performed well in her first season at the top of the Gamecocks’ pitching depth chart. She was at the top of her game in many of her sub-region starts and will be depended on to get Screven off to a good start.
    If the Gamecocks need some help from the bullpen, Pollock will turn to freshman Taryn Burns.
    Offensively, the Gamecocks will rely on their new faces to execute their same old strategy.
    Always a fan of playing small ball and using aggressive base running to pressure opponents, Pollock depends on almost every player in his lineup to be able to steal a base or lay down a bunt when asked.
    Freshman leadoff hitter Jancy Durrence has done a great job of setting the tone on offense while returning starters Lovey Sheppard and Courtney Burns have stepped up their game, driving in runs from the middle of the order.
    “We’re just going to keep playing our game,” said Pollock. “Our record might not be as impressive this season, but we still have some good wins and we’re going to keep battling.”
    The second game of today’s doubleheader will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. If necessary, a decisive third game will be held — in Sylvania once again — Friday evening.
    With a series win, Screven will advance to play 3A-AA sub-region champion Bleckley County.

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