After a long season marked by hard work, weather delays, and a roller coaster of travel plans, the East Clarendon High School softball team capped off their campaign with a 5-3 victory over Saluda on Saturday, claiming the SCHSL Class 2A State Championship—its first since 2017.
For head coach Jason Newsome, it was all about the team’s dedication.
“Just happy for the girls,” Newsome said. “They worked really hard this year, and I’m just glad it worked out for them.”
The Lady Wolverines jumped out early with two runs in the first inning and leaned on a dominant performance from senior pitcher Laiklyn Gaskins, who struck out 11 and allowed just four hits. Gaskins, who pitched with poise even after giving up a late home run, has been a staple for East Clarendon in the circle.
“She’s a competitor. We knew we were going to get her best effort,” Newsome said. “She was calm and loose all day, and that confidence gave her teammates a boost, too. She pitched her behind off. What else can you say?”
The morning of the game, the team gathered at school for a last-minute batting practice session—a change in routine made possible by the altered schedule after Thursday’s weather-related postponement.
“It wasn’t part of the original plan, but with the late start time, we had the opportunity,” Newsome said. “It let the girls lock in one more time and gave the community a chance to send us off.”
That final BP session paid off quickly. Gaskins tripled in the first inning and scored on a bunt single by freshman Zoey Culick. Culick went on to tally three hits and drive in a run in the fifth, showcasing a level of poise beyond her years.
“Zoey is just a freshman, but she’s a very mature hitter,” Newsome said. “She practices relentlessly and has the ability to focus in big moments. We had confidence in her, and she came through in a big way.”
Veteran leadership was also key. Seniors Gaskins and second baseman Ann Grace Knowlton were instrumental in shaping the team’s identity under Newsome, who took over the program two seasons ago.
“They became like family,” Newsome said. “From the moment I got here, they bought into everything we were trying to build. For two players at the end of their careers to invest like that, it’s huge. They’ve set a standard.”
Now, the challenge becomes building on that legacy. With two standout seniors graduating, Newsome said the focus will quickly turn to the weight room and preparation for what comes next.
“We know we’ll need to be better next year than we were this year to do this again,” he said.
Still, for the community of Turbeville and those who proudly wear the blue and white, this victory already carries weight that goes well beyond the final score.
“Our school just really has an unparalleled level of community support,” Newsome said. “It creates a sense of pride in your school and in your town. Everybody feels connected to it.”
As for the younger girls in the district dreaming of one day wearing the East Clarendon uniform?
“We’s love to see them out there,” Newsome said. “It's a lot of work. Wearing that uniform means something, and we hope it means something to them. And we hope to be able to continue the same level of success moving forward.”
