Jeff Watson

jwatson@thecherawchronicle.com

CHESTERFIELD----The Lady Rams made history by winning the school's first upper state championship in softball on May 9 by defeating McBee 2-0 in the second game. McBee pounded the Lady Rams 14-4 in the first game.

A state championship is on the horizon, with the Lady Rams just win one away from claiming the state title. Lady Rams head coach Freddy Gaskins said that after the upper state championship victory, he told his team that there was more to accomplish.

"I told the girls that winning the upper state championship was a great thing, but we want to win a state championship," Gaskins said. "We haven't won what we want to win yet. There is a bigger prize out there. We want to be state champions. I'm really proud of this group of kids. They've worked hard all year and have been very dedicated."

After defeating McBee, the Lady Rams were set to face Lake View in the state championship best-of-three series. The Lady Rams hosted game one on Monday.

The game was knotted at 0-0 until the sixth inning. After making an error, Lake View scored two runs to take a 2-0 lead and put the Lady Rams' backs against the wall. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Christine Stokes hit a triple to get into scoring position. April Robson hit a single to score Stokes and make the score 2-1.

The Lady Rams retired the Lake View batters and hoped for at least a tie in the bottom half of the seventh. Haley Gibson reached base on a ball misplayed by the player at third to put the tying run on base. The player threw the ball into the dugout, allowing Gibson to advance to second. Two outs later, Gibson was still on base and the Lady Rams chances looked dim.

Emily Smith hit a triple down the third baseline to score Gibson and give the Lady Rams a chance to win the game. Stokes hit a double to score Smith and win the game for the Rams.

"Our kids are tough," Gaskins said. "They never get down and no matter what, they always play seven innings. It was big to that first win. That gives us a lot of confidence. We have a lot of momentum. Our kids are ready and they are pumped."

The Lady Rams traveled to Lake View on Wednesday night, needing a win to secure the state title. Results are not available due to deadline.