By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Mustangs Show Power, Precision in 7-0 Victory Over Rebels
Rebels vs. South
Cheniyah Jackson (center) walks off the mound, receiving high fives from teammates Alyssa Martin (left) and Sidney Minshall. She struck out five and allowed just one walk in a dominant outing against Effingham County. (Birk Herrath / Effingham Herald)

GUYTON, Ga. – Justine Nevels and her South Effingham softball teammates found a perfect way to make her 17th birthday memorable Thursday night.

The Mustangs played a near-flawless game, highlighted by Nevels’ home run, and rolled past county rival Effingham County, 7-0.

South (7-1), ranked 10th by ScoreAtlanta, won its seventh game in a row and avenged a 5-4 defeat to the Rebels to start the season.

“It was an important win,” Nevels said. “We wanted to show people who we really are, how we can play ball, and how we can put the pedal to the gas and not let up.”

Rebels vs. South
Justine Nevels hits a towering solo home run on her 17th birthday, helping South Effingham extend its lead over Effingham County. ‘It was amazing, just giving us another run so we could build the lead and be more comfortable,’ Nevels said. (Birk Herrath / Effingham Herald)

Power Surge, Solid Defense

The Mustangs displayed a power surge, with six of their 10 hits going for extra bases. Junior pitcher Cheniyah Jackson twirled a six-hitter and didn’t allow an ECHS baserunner past first base during the last five innings.

South’s defense, registering nine infield assists and a highlight-diving catch by center fielder Abbey Jordan, didn’t commit an error.

“We played well. It’s only the middle of the season, but we want to make sure we’re executing at a high level, and we did that tonight,” South coach Adam Newland said. “We were crisp in all phases.”

Jackson pitched out of a jam in the top of the first inning, and Danni Lynn smacked a two-run home run two batters into the bottom of the first. The Mustangs were off and galloping.

In the third inning, Jordan’s run-scoring single brought in the third run, and Makenzi Polk’s two-out single added two more to make it 5-0.

Rebels vs. South
Alyssa Martin pumps up her teammates while standing on second base during South Effingham’s win over Effingham County. Martin drove in the Mustangs’ final run with her third double of the night. (Birk Herrath / Effingham Herald)

Birthday Homer Adds to the Lead

Probably better than birthday cake, Nevels smacked a towering solo homer in the fifth.

“It was amazing, just giving us another run so we could build the lead and be more comfortable,” Nevels said. “It was a great moment. You never know what’s going to happen in softball.”

In the sixth, Alyssa Martin drove in the Mustangs’ final run with her third double of the night.

Jackson never let the Rebels get going. She struck out five and walked one. Three of ECHS’ six hits were infield singles.

“I focused on letting the nerves go away and being confident out there,” said Jackson, who uncorked two wild pitches before stranding a runner on third with one out in her jittery first inning.

Rebels vs. South
South Effingham’s Olivia Johnson makes a force out at second as Effingham County’s Gabbie Hill slides in during the third inning. The Mustangs’ strong defense helped keep the Rebels off the bases for much of the game. (Birk Herrath / Effingham Herald)

Rebels Fall Short

“We had a good week of practice. We just didn’t get it done tonight,” said Rebels coach Brad Thompson, whose sixth-ranked squad dropped to 5-3. “We had a chance to score early and didn’t, and that could have changed the tempo of the game. We have some things to work on.”

It was the fifth straight year that ECHS and SEHS have beaten each other in the rivalry series.

“I like these kinds of back-and-forth games,” Lynn said. “This game I thought we did a good job picking up the energy at the start and staying focused all the way through.”

Looking Ahead to Postseason

Newland saw a pleasing trend. The Mustangs have blitzed through the start of their subregion competition with four straight wins by a combined score of 72-1.

“Our focus is on stacking good days and keeping up the play,” Newland said. “Our eyes are on what’s in front of us, but we’re also making sure we’re ready for October postseason play. This is great and outstanding to win this game, but we want the bigger ones in October. This, to me, is a good indicator that we’re rounding into shape.”