ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Eight has a nice ring to South Effingham.

 The Mustangs used a pair of eight-run innings to subdue Milton 12-2 and 10-1, sweeping the best-of-three series in the second round of the Class 5A softball playoffs Monday.

The next “eight” on South Effingham’s mind: the Elite Eight double-elimination tournament in Columbus, which begins Oct. 29.

It’s the Mustangs’ fourth straight trip to the Elite Eight. They’ll face Lassiter in the first round.

“We talked. It doesn't matter how many times you’ve been there; it’s an accomplishment to be proud of,” SEHS coach Adam Newland said.

Power at the plate

The Mustangs (23-3) flexed their muscle early. Danni Lynn hit a home run in the first inning—her 10th of the season—and Justine Nevels homered in the second. South led 4-1 before exploding for eight runs in the fifth.

Abbey Jordan’s two-run single and Taylor Swann’s two-run triple highlighted the inning, and the game ended after five innings under the eight-run mercy rule.

“Between games, we talked about maintaining our edge,” Newland said. “Milton is a region champion for a reason.”

But the Mustangs, ranked fourth in the state by ScoreAtlanta, proved their ranking was deserved. They turned a 2-1 lead into a 10-1 victory with an eight-run fourth inning. Doubles by Jordan and Swann were key hits in the rally.

“We did a good job hitting balls hard and making it difficult for Milton,” Newland said. “We did a good job of stringing hits together.”

Strong pitching seals the sweep

The second game also ended in the fifth inning under the eight-run mercy rule. Newland praised winning pitchers Rosie Dixon and Cheniyah Jackson for hitting their spots and inducing weak contact.

“The girls played well, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Newland said. “We’re excited to get back to work.”