The Southeast Bulloch Lady Jackets earned the right to play the first round of the GHSA Class AAA state playoffs at home in front of their own fans. They hosted the Islands Sharks in a doubleheader on Friday where, if the two teams split, they would play again on Saturday.
The Lady Jackets were able to put away the Sharks quickly by ending both games in the doubleheader early.
Game 1: Jackets start out hot
Southeast Bulloch was a beneficiary of a 5-run first inning. The speed around the bases allowed for runners to fly home and create an early lead.
Marissa Waters would send the ball out of the park with a solo homer in the bottom of the second. The Yellow Jackets would continue to pile it on and win the game 12-0.
Game 2: Hannah Griffin shows out
Shortly after the first game ended, the hot SEB batters were back up to the plate. A solo homer to centerfield by Hannah Griffin put the Yellow Jackets up 2-0. A few hits later, Trell Reed would send a rocket over the fence for a 3 run homer and SEB went up 6-0 after the 1st inning.
The second inning saw the Yellow Jackets score 11 runs including a grand slam home run by Griffin. The hit to left field sent the SEB fans into a frenzy. Griffin nearly hit a 3rd, but it fell just inside the fence for a double that allowed 2 runners to make it home. SEB would go on to win game 2 with a final score of 21-2.
The two homers that Griffin hit were the first in her career.
There was a buzz that you could see with the players. It was clear that they were ready for the postseason to begin. Head Coach Aimee Civalier spoke on her team's energy about the playoffs.
"It's the postseason, so it's win or go home," Civalier said. "There is a little bit more intensity. It has been our goal to get back to Columbus, so they are a little bit more amped up."
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The Yellow Jackets will be at home for the second round of the playoffs when they face Mary Persons at home on Thursday and Friday.
"Home field is huge," Civalier said. "We haven't had the opportunity to host in a couple years, and I forgot how much I enjoy it. It's nice playing at home and having our fans here."
