The East Clarendon High School Lady Wolverines' win over Dixie in Game 1 of the State Championship finals on Monday night was the team's first at that school.
"We have never won a game there," said Coach Lisa Ard. "So, it was a great feeling to get the first game, especially there."
With a final score of 3-1, the Lady Wolverines kept it close in their attempt to regain the State Championship title won in 2014. The team did well in its bid for the Lower State Championship, Ard said.
"Defending a title carries with it a lot more pressure than playing for it the first time," said Ard. "You are expected to win, compared to having no pressure and just going all out to play. We were able to get the Lower State games a little easier because we won that first game this year, and only had to travel once. Last year, we had to travel three times during that tournament, and that takes it out of you."
Still, she said the players and coaching staff are enjoying the process.
"We are enjoying this time around, playing each game one at a time and just taking it in," she said. "We have won it and lost it. We are preparing for Game 2 as we usually would any game, particularly mentally."
She said East Clarendon graduate Leslie Atlman will work with the team to simulate live-pitching.
"She will work with them to get the timing down," Ard said.
She said her girls are grounded and ready.
"After losing last year, they are already grounded and only want to come in and do their best," she said.
For Monday night's game, Caitlin Timmons went 2-4 with a two-run homer and two runs scored, while Gracen Watts was 2-4 with a double, a triple and an RBI.
And the team would be nowhere, she added, without the community's support.
"Turbeville and surrounding communities are always at our games in force, whether we play home or away," Ard said. "That support is awesome. It keeps our girls up and keeps us going. I'm so proud of this group of girls and their hard work and want to thank everyone for their support."
The girls play 6 p.m. Wednesday at home. Check manninglive.com for results.\
