Lumpkin County High softball players Bridget Savage and Meghan Cantrell admit that they will never forget last week.

Savage, a senior, and Cantrell, a sophomore, both played significant roles in leading the Lady Indians to the school’s first Region 7-AAA fast-pitch softball title with a 10-0 rout of West Hall last Friday.

Savage, Lumpkin County’s ace pitcher, recorded four wins last week against Gainesville, White County and twice against West Hall.

In the Region 7-AAA championship, Savage held West Hall to three hits and no runs, as she retired 13 of the last 16 batters she faced.

"I feel like I did a pretty good job," Savage said. "But I know I wouldn’t have been successful without my defense playing so good behind me."

"(Bridget) is a great leader on our team," Lumpkin County coach Lori Hall said. "She carries our team with a positive attitude and a great work ethic. She is always willing to do whatever it takes to lead our team to a victory."

Cantrell, Lumpkin County’s shortstop, hit a clutch three-run home run against West Hall last Thursday that propelled the Lady Indians to a 9-7 lead entering the Lady Spartans’ final at bat. Cantrell, who finished the tournament with no errors, continued her hot streak at the plate in the championship game, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

"I honestly didn’t think I made solid contact with the ball," Cantrell said. "I was excited after I rounded first base and saw the ball go past the fence. I was just so glad that I helped provide the game’s winning run."

"There’s hardly ever a ball that gets past (Meghan)," Hall said. "She does whatever it takes to keep the ball in the infield. She’s just an outstanding softball player."

Savage and Cantrell both credit their work during the offseason as being a key ingredient to Lumpkin County’s success this season.

"It took a lot of hard work during the summer," Savage said. "Our program has come so far since I was a freshman. Our coaches have pushed us all season long, and it just feels great."

"Now it just feels like all the hard work has really paid off," Cantrell said. "I am just glad to be a part of history."

Cantrell hopes that her play at shortstop helps the Lady Indians carry their success into the Class AAA North Sectionals, which begins Friday.

"I don’t want to make any errors," Cantrell said. "I want to get on base every time I come up to the plate, and most importantly I want our team to work together."

Lumpkin County plays Region 5-AAA’s No. 4 seed, Chamblee, at 4 p.m. Friday at the Lanier Point Softball Complex in Gainesville.