Softball: Union County storms to 8-AA title

BLUE RIDGE -- Union County softball left no doubt on Saturday.

The Lady Panthers blanked Dawson County 7-0 in a morning match-up to reach the championship game and then smacked the Lady Tigers again, 12-0 in the afternoon title contest in Blue Ridge.

The victories clinched the second straight 8-AA title for Union County, which finished as Class AA runner-up last season.

Dawson County finished as region runner-up and with the No. 2 seed for the upcoming state tournament, while Fannin County took third place after the Lady Tigers defeated the Lady Rebels 12-1 to earn the rematch with Union.

The Lady Panthers took control from the start of the championship game, taking a 2-0 lead after the first inning that stretched to 4-0 in the third on a two-run home run from Callie Dyer. Union scored twice more in the frame and pulled ahead 8-0 after four innings.

Courtney Busbee battered Dawson pitching in the contest, going 3-for-3 with a double and four RBIs. Dyer also finished 3-for-4 with four RBIs.

Union County moves on to the state tournament next week where it will face North Murray at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

-- Report courtesy Todd Forrest