The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jacket softball team advanced to the state elite eight in Columbus for the first time since 2016. The Jackets actually won their first game of the tournament against the eventual state champions, as they beat Ringgold 5-2, but proceeded to lose both games on Friday as their bats went silent, and the season came to a close with a record of 27-8.

“It was a great season, and I think they got a taste of what the elite eight is all about,” said Southeast Bulloch coach Aimee Civalier. “If I ever need to give them motivation next year, I will explain how they beat the state champs, but then lost focus, and we have to maintain that throughout the tournament in order to win it all.”

The Jackets were actually the only team to beat Ringgold in the state tournament. The Tigers lost to Southeast Bulloch, and then reeled off six straight wins, including beating Franklin County twice in the championship, including winning the final game Monday at Franklin County due to inclement weather on Saturday.

“I’ve been texting the girls as many of them are even more down as they found ot Ringgold won the state today,” Civalier said. “I’m trying to express to them that we did beat the state champion, but in order to win the state you have to win the whole tournament, not one game. We have to keep our intensity for three days.”

The Jackets run in the elite eight began on Friday with a 5-2 victory over the eventual state champs. The Jackets rode the arm of Alana Barnard, and the hitting of Leah Vangiller, Delanie Thames, Megan Lee and Gracie Burgin.

“I felt our energy was great on the first day,” Civalier said. “I think we really surprised Ringgold scoring those runs early against them. They finally started hitting the ball late in the game, but we did early enough in that one to stay in the winners bracket.”

Saturday the Jackets had to play the early game as they took on Franklin County. Southeast Bulloch jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but saw the Lions roar back to outscore them 9-0 the rest of the way.

“We scored those runs early, and then for whatever reason, lost some intensity and focus,” Civalier said. “We played really sloppy in the field, and didn’t swing the bats well the rest of the game.”

The loss against Franklin County put the Jackets into the losers brackets, and the string of scoreless innings was extended to 13 as they were shut out by Calhoun, ending the season with a 3-0 loss.

“Calhoun had a very good pitcher,” Civalier said. “I feel like we still should have hit the ball a lot better than we did against her. We weren’t patient at the plate, and just never could get the bats going on Friday.” 

The good news for the Jackets is they only lose three seniors, and only two actually played in the state playoffs. Coach Civalier is also hopeful that there could be reclassification coming next year, which could possibly take out of one of the weaker regions in the state.

“I’m very hopeful for next season,” Civalier said. “Going to the elite eight, and beating the eventual state champion gives our girls an idea of what we can do. The biggest difference in us, and teams like Calhoun and Ringgold is they play in tough regions where they see other good teams week in and week out. I’m hoping reclassification puts us in a more competitive region, and even if it doesn’t I feel we know what it takes to do even better next season.”