The South Effingham Lady Mustangs softball team capped its season with an awards banquet Monday.

“I am so proud to be associated with this group of senior young ladies,” coach Donnie Ussery said of his seniors, outfielders Laura Bryant, Lindsey Brichacek and Ciara Knowles, pitcher Alison Kirkland and catcher Crystal Sellers.

Four trips to the Elite 8, four region titles, undefeated in region play for their entire high school career, a state runner-up finish. They are something special.”

Ussery also noted that Kirkland set school records with 72 wins and 705 strikeouts in her career.

Sellers has committed to play next year at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, Ala. Sellers will sign in January during the next signing period for two-year colleges.

Ussery also announced that outfielder Ciara Knowles, who signed with Armstrong Atlantic last month, will be representing SEHS in the GACA softball all-star game in June at Kennesaw State. This is the fourth year in a row that SEHS has had a representative on the 15-person South squad.

In the awards category, the following student-athletes were recognized for their excellence in the classroom; freshman Frankie Mesmer, sophomore Jamie Ray, junior Sarah Parker and for the fourth year in a row, senior Lindsey Brichacek.

For the team offensive awards, the following players were recognized for accruing 100 or more points in the offensive scoring system used by the coaches. They were Alexis Mercer, Ciara Knowles and Crystal Sellers.

Ussery gave special praise and thanks to all of his assistant coaches and gave a special thank you recognition plaque to Craig Kirkland for all of his help over the years in a number of areas associated with the school and the softball program.

Ussery said he was proud to be a part of South Effingham’s great run in AAA and looks forward to the challenges that will go along with the school’s move to AAAA for 2008-10.