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Angels dominant en route to title
angels softball
The ASA 14-under state champions South Effingham Angels players include Katie Durrence, Whitney Smith, Emily Parker, Ashlee Gordon, Ciera Weaver, Whitney Parrish, Lacey Caldwell, Rachael Laverenz, Tori May, Julie Oetgen, Shelby Zipperer and Ashlyn Newman. Butch Durrence, Wes Parrish and Bruce Parker coach the team. - photo by Photo provided

The South Effingham Angels proved that girls from south Georgia can play softball as well as anyone else.

The 14-under softball team swept the competition in Atlanta on July 7 to claim the Amateur Softball Association state title.

For the tournament, the Angels batted a collective .325. Ashley Newman led the team, hitting .500. Whitney Smith batted .454; Tori May, .400; Katie Durrence, .333 and Rachael Laverenz, .272.

Emily Parker showcased her endurance and pitching skills, pitching four complete games.

The Angels defense did a good job supporting Parker, committing only six errors and turning two double plays.

Parker, along with Smith, were named to the ASA all-state team.

The Angels kicked off the tournament at 7:15 a.m., defeating Georgia Ice 6-3.

The Angels trailed 4-0 going into the sixth inning, but scored two in the sixth and four in the seventh to win the game. Katie Durrence was named MVP.

Next, the Angels defeated the Thunder 3-1. Durrence was again named MVP.

The semi-finals had high drama, but the Angels prevailed with a 2-1 win over the Georgia Pressure.

With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh with two outs, the pressure was mounting on the Angels. But,

Laverenz didn’t let it bother her as she slugged the ball over the fence for the win. Emily Parker was named MVP.

The Angels closed the tournament, defeating the Ice again, 9-2.

Ashlyn Newman homered as the Angels exploded for eight runs in the fourth inning. Whitney Smith was named MVP.