Apalachee ended South Effingham’s quest for a state title, defeating the Lady Mustangs 4-3 in the Class AAA Elite Eight in Columbus on Friday afternoon.

South Effingham knocked off three-time defending state champ Oconee County 1-0 in extra innings but fell 3-0 to Sandy Creek in the second round.

In the opener, the Lady Mustangs and the Lady Warriors went to the international tiebreaker after seven scoreless innings. With the bases loaded and one out, Joni Lynn beat the throw home on Austin Oglesby’s grounder to third base.

Alison Kirkland threw eight shutout innings, striking out seven and walking three while giving up only one hit. Oconee’s Alana Thomas fanned 11 batters and gave up just one hit.

In the second round, two walks and a homer in the first inning staked the Lady Patriots to a lead they did not relinquish.

Kera Folds struck out seven and gave up two hits, a single each from Sarah Parker and Crystal Sellers. Kirkland struck out three and gave up one hit in three innings.

The loss dropped the Lady Mustangs into the loser’s bracket.

Harris County eventually beat Apalachee 5-2 to advance to the finals and eliminate the Lady Wildcats. Blessed Trinity beat Sandy Creek 6-2. The winner of the Harris County-Sandy Creek game will meet Blessed Trinity for the state championship.