The South Effingham Middle School Lady Mustangs culminated their championship season with a banquet to honor all players. The team went 8-0 in the regular season and 3-0 in the playoffs to win the school’s seventh consecutive Coastal Empire region championship.
Five young ladies received game balls for their outstanding play during the playoffs. Amy Jameson was awarded a game ball for her 2-for-4 performance in the semifinal game and for her leadership in the outfield. Kaity White received her game ball for an RBI double in the championship game and for outstanding defensive play throughout the playoffs. Reagan Deal was 2-for-3 in the championship game against Ebenezer and turned a double play, along with Kaity White, in the seventh inning that help to seal the victory. Hannah Schurman was 2-for-3 in the semifinal game with two RBIs. Alexis Studier received her game ball for the base hit that resulted in two RBIs and an error that allowed two more runs to come in to allow the Lady Mustangs to gain the momentum in the championship game.
Academic awards were given to the young ladies with the highest academic averages for the first nine weeks. The sixth grade academic winner was Naomi Sapp; Hannah Schurman was the seventh grade academic winner. Cate Anderson was the eighth grade and overall academic winner.
Special awards were given out to honor girls whose accomplishments on the field were extraordinary. Mallory Ferguson won the most improved player award for her progress as a complete ball player from the sixth grade to the eighth grade. Mariah Freeman was honored with the coach’s award for her unselfish play, team attitude and accomplishments on the field. The outstanding defensive player award was bestowed upon Katie Kussow for her stellar defensive work at pitcher and shortstop throughout the season. Cate Anderson was the team’s most valuable player. Anderson had a .606 batting average, with 20 hits, 18 RBIs and five home runs during the season.
Other members of the SEMS 2008 championship team are: Brooke Strickland, Hannah Arrington, Olivia Laverenz, Ansley Brown, Taylor Ross, Stephanie Hallowell, Kendall Winge, and Rami Jo Mesmer. Member of the coaching staff include Shelly Hobbs, Jamie Clayton, Mike Liscio, Larry Sellers and Jona Downs.
