September 17, the NC Warrior varsity softball team (19-1) faced Chapel Hill High School Panthers (7-10) hoping to continue their winning streak, honoring the class of 2025 seniors. Throughout their time with NC softball, these four senior athletes spent countless hours with their team, working toward their goal: winning the state championship. On their senior night, these Warriors inched one step closer to their goal with their mercy rule against Chapel Hill.
The Warriors kicked off the game with fielding at 5:30 pm, allowing the Panthers to score only one run. Junior Leah Byrd (9) pitched at a speed unmatched by the Panthers and junior Alyssa Russell (25), the catcher, caught the softballs and helped coach the girls to victory while on the field. Other players set up on the field, awaited fly balls and protected the bases while the other team attempted to rack up points.
After the Panthers struck out, NC switched to batting. The NC batters, Russell, magnet seniors Audrey Ward (5) and Kate Self (8), senior Skyler Dekle (1), senior Rileigh Queen (15) and Byrd, worked together to score a point and tie the game. The confidence from that point on led the girls one step closer to victory, as in the next inning, they played strong to keep a tie game.
During the second inning, the girls continued their scoring streak and scored four runs. This brought joy to the audience and the NC softball team as their cheers amplified. Byrd hit a home run during this inning and the energy in the atmosphere rose as the team ran to home plate to join and celebrate with Byrd. After the third inning concluded, neither softball team landed any runs to add to the overall score.
The Warriors scored four additional points in the fourth inning, allowing themselves to potentially reach a mercy rule: a policy that ends the game early if a team leads by eight points in the fifth inning. At this point, the Warriors gained a total of nine points and while they proceeded into the fifth inning, they needed to forbid any runs from the Panthers. Byrd and Russell worked rigorously to secure the win and within seven minutes of the fifth inning, the Warriors claimed their victory. After this win, the NC Warriors excitedly honored their senior athletes.
Queen began her time on the NC softball team as a freshman in 2021. Since she plays in various positions such as fielder and batter, she impacts the team in countless ways. Queen achieved the Cobb County Player of the Week September 13 and represented NC while executing her goals.
Dekle joined the NC softball team her freshman year and holds her time on the team close to her heart. Her skills on the field as a batter and fielder show her passion for the sport and her love for it. Dekle walked down the senior ceremony with her family while also expressing her gratitude.
“My favorite memory was the bus ride to Waffle House after making it to the final four. It was filled with laughter, music, and dance from everyone. My time on the NC team has made me a better person. Everyone is so willing to help you out and talk to you if you’re upset and no one is left behind or forgotten about. We have a sisterly bond that is worth a million…I do not plan on continuing softball [in college] but I don’t think I will ever forget the memories and impact it made on my life,” Dekle said.
Self focuses on assisting the team by batting and maintaining positivity. Self leads group chants to raise the atmosphere and encourage her team. Growing up with softball and playing in leagues such as Bartow County, the Warrior feeder school program and Sandy Planes Blaze softball, Self has gained a variety of friends over the years, impacting her memories forever.
“My favorite memory is last year when we finally won the region and were the first-time region champions in NC softball history. It was amazing to be part of such a fun journey. I am currently talking to a few coaches but I am undecided [college] right now. I’m looking at Georgia College and State University, Coastal College in Brunswick and possibly Columbus State University. We will see where my journey takes me, but I know I will play somewhere if I continue to pursue passions,” Self said.
Ward began her journey with softball at four years old in leagues at Lost Mountain Park and joined the North Cobb Metro program in sixth grade. As a batter and outfielder, Ward showed off her skills that led the Lady Warriors to multiple victories. During senior night, the NC softball program honored her and the commitment she expressed to the team.
“My favorite memory from the NC softball team was going to state with my best friends. We spent a lot of time together making so many great memories, including singing and dancing on the bus after beating North Gwinnett. Being on the team has changed the way I interact with people. Our team always supports each other and is there to pick each other up, regardless of the situation we’re in. I will take this support and use it in all aspects of my life, whether it be with my friends or family. The love the girls on the team share with one another is like no other, and we’ll always be there for each other, even when we won’t be playing together,” Ward said.
This win against the Panthers puts the Lady Warriors right on track to rack up another region championship. The Chant wishes the seniors and Lady Warriors luck on their journey ahead and congratulates them as they work to achieve their goals.
Aria Reddy • Sep 20, 2024 at 6:02 PM
I LOVE this article. It has actually inspired me to take up the sport myself. Thank you for your insight.